A group of mums in Oldham who joined forces to create a new Down syndrome support and activity group kicked off its first meeting with a Christmas party.
DS Oldham is a new voluntary group sparked by a group of five mums, inviting families and youngsters with Down syndrome to participate in its free meetings and activities at Kiln Green in Diggle.
Mums Vicci Smith-Scott and Lisa Jones said the group has been a long time coming with parents chatting about the need for a regular meeting point since the pandemic.
Vicci said lockdown was particularly isolating for families with Down syndrome children as many had to shield to protect their immune systems.
"We've been planning since lockdown when we were all on Zoom because nobody could meet up.
"We did feel isolated, like everybody, but when you've got a child with Down syndrome, there are different limitations what you can do."
Lisa added: "Now we get to actually see each other in person, which is nice."
Aside from meeting once a month, the group also extends its arms of support by giving baby bags with leaflets and conducting local sessions in Royal Oldham Hospital to help new parents navigate medical terms.
They also seek to train medical professionals to challenge areas of inexperience where, sometimes, parents can have "negative experiences".
Vicci said: "Some people come on their Down syndrome journey without knowing that they're going to have a baby with Down syndrome, so we're there as a support because we've all been through similar experiences.
"Some have a negative experience because people just say the wrong words or because people just don't know what to say when you've got a new diagnosis of Down syndrome.
"They're fantastic at the hospital now."
Lisa added: "The more who hear the stories of parents, the better they are at dealing with new parents that come along because they'll understand how they might be feeling."
But the major benefit of DS Oldham is how it extends to the whole family, allowing parents to exchange invaluable tips while the youngsters play and socialise with their friends and siblings in a comfortable environment.
Lisa said: "It's just nice to have non-medical views as well sometimes from the other parents - mums sharing stuff is just invaluable.
"But for me, the lovely thing about the group is that everybody gets it.
"You don't have to explain anything about your child or their needs and you don't have to worry."
Lisa said her three-year-old daughter, Hannah, isn't always keen on busy and loud places, but she immediately settled in on their first meeting.
Lisa added: "She just walked in like, this is great, these are my people and I don't need to worry about anyone else. She just loved it.
"It's just easy, whereas sometimes if you go out you're explaining why she won't join in pass the parcel or the noises are a bit too much or why she can't go to the disco - you don't need to explain that to the group because people just get it."
Vicci also said her little girl, Halle, 9, picks up on her mum's emotions and feelings but the pair similarly felt at ease in the group.
"It's an environment that we can manage, that isn't too loud or too bright and too hectic. It's perfect and that's why I think the group is so important", she said.
Kicking off its first meeting in the borough, DS Oldham held a Christmas party equipped with their own Santa Claus, grotto, party games and live entertainment from local dance group, FunkyFitness.
The TV star known from Ralph and Katie and The A Word, Leon Harrop, who also has Down syndrome, made a special appearance which the parents said was "lovely" of him - and for families to chat to a famous star with the condition.
The mums said the children "had an absolute ball" while the raffle put £76 into their funding pot which will go towards the rent of the venue.
For 2023, the parents are hoping even more families will be keen to join.
"We can't wait to meet you", they said.
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