New Parent Support Home Visits 

Finding out that your baby has (or may have) Down syndrome can be very unexpected news to hear. Whether you find out before your baby is born or after they have arrived, Susanne, our new parent support worker, and the rest of the team are here for you. 
 
We can offer support in whatever way works for you. Whether that is coming to visit you at home or in hospital, meeting for a coffee, having a chat on the phone or just exchanging text messages, we are happy to share our experiences, answer any questions and hopefully ease some of the worries you may have. 
 
You can get in touch yourself or ask your midwife or health visitor to contact us on your behalf. 

Parent Packs for Expectant or New Parents 

If you are expecting a baby and you are being cared for by Hull Women & Children’s Hospital or if your little one was born in Hull, the hospital midwife should give you one of Downright Special’s Parent Packs containing up-to-date useful information about Down syndrome as well as information about Downright Special. 
 
We have two types of pack: 
1. Expectant Parent Pack - available in the antenatal screening unit for those who find out that they might be expecting a baby with Down syndrome 
2. New Parent Pack - available on the labour wards and NICU for new parents whose baby has just been born. 
If you haven’t received a pack and would like one, then please get in touch by emailing office@downrightspecial.co.uk or call us at 01482 420160. 

Downright Special Fridays – Specialist Play & Learning Sessions 

Meeting every Friday morning in term time, Downright Special Fridays is a friendly and welcoming group for children and parents alike. Our morning session is for babies and pre-school children. Other pre-school siblings are also welcome to attend, and sessions are free to all. 
 
We have a wide range of toys for children to enjoy as well as a fabulous soft-play room, and parents are welcome to borrow resources from our lending library. The children also have fun whilst participating in ‘lesson-time’. The children are split into small groups according to their developmental stage and take part in structured activities, with a focus on improving speech and language skills. At the end of the session, we all get together for “Magic Bag” – singing and signing time.  
 
Children who may have more complex special needs are very welcome to attend and simply play while other children participate in lesson time. We know that their ability to participate might change from day-to-day or even moment-to-moment, and we can be flexible to meet the needs of your child on the day. 
 
It is just as important that there is lots of time for parents to chat over coffee, catch up and share experiences and to celebrate our children’s achievements. 

Session Outline 

Venue: Bodmin Road Church, Padstow Close, Bransholme, Hull, HU7 4HE 
9.30-10.00am: Arrival - A chance to have fun and play in our soft play. Parents can have a coffee and chat. 
10.00am: Hello song - We all get together and say hello. 
10.05am: 'Lesson time 1' - Children are put into small groups to work on their speech language and communication skills, in structured activities tailored to children with Down syndrome. Our baby group focuses on sensory activities and introducing parents to Makaton sign language. 
10.30am: Snack Time 
10.45am: 'Lesson time 2' 
11.15am: Magic Bag – Singing and signing 
11.30am: Home time 
Social Events 
We arrange regular social events to ensure that the children and young people have fun with their peers, parents have a chance to engage with other parents, and siblings can make new friends within other families that include children with Down syndrome. We tailor events to suit the needs of children and young people with Down syndrome, so families know all events are safe, suitable and inclusive. 
 
We offer lots of different events throughout the year so that hopefully everyone can attend something that suits them. We send out social stories before each event and always ask for feedback about other adjustments needed that might help each family to enjoy themselves. Wherever possible we try to find venues that have a quiet space for those who may need it. 
 
Check out our ‘What’s On’ page to find information about upcoming events. 
What's On