When: Tuesday 13th October 2026
Time: 7-8pm
Online via Zoom
Come and join Debbie Campbell from our Family Support Team for an Annual Health Checks Workshop. Debbie will go over the resources that Down’s Syndrome Scotland have developed to support people who have Down’s syndrome, their parents/carers and also the Health Professionals who will be delivering the Annual Health Checks.
The Annual Health Checks are a very important step to improving health outcomes for people with Down’s syndrome and it is important that families feel confident about content, delivery and aftercare.
When: Tuesday 22nd September
Come and join Debbie Campbell from our Family Support Team and Lesley McGregor, Learning Disability Nurse for a Q&A session on Adult Health. Lesley runs the Down’s Syndrome clinic in Perth and has a wealth of experience supporting adults who have Down’s syndrome with their health.
When: Tuesday 18th August
Grab a cuppa and Join Donna Tomlin from Contact Scotland to explore the Talking about tomorrow resource which has been put together with parents, for parents, in Scotland, to answer questions about transition to adulthood. Transition simply means change. For young people with Down’s Syndrome, the transition into adulthood, growing up, is one of the biggest changes they face. It isn’t just about leaving school, it’s about building an adult life, and that takes time. This resource is packed with useful, practical information to help support your family and navigate the transition.
When: Tuesday 19th May
Time: 7-8.30pm
Transitions—whether big moments like graduating from high school or everyday changes like getting used to new shoes—can be especially challenging for individuals with Down syndrome. This presentation will offer families and caregivers practical, easy to-use strategies to help these changes go more smoothly, reduce stress, and build confidence. Attendees will also receive helpful resources to support loved ones through a variety of transitions
When: Tuesday 21st April
Grab a cuppa and join us to share your experiences of dual diagnosis of Down’s syndrome and Autism/ADHD ect – with other parents/carers. We know that every person is an individual however we know that sharing experiences can create a supportive network within our community and a place to feel understood and supported. It also helps us to better understand our communities needs and any information and support that is needed.
When: Tuesday 2nd June
Jo is the CEO and driving force behind Learn and Thrive. She is a passionate advocate for the community, juggling parenthood with a teenage daughter who has Down’s syndrome and two lively boys.
Her journey began in the NHS as a specialist Neurological Physiotherapist. Later, she ventured into entrepreneurship and founded 21 Together, a charity dedicated to supporting families in the Kent area. She co-founded Learn and Thrive with the aim of ensuring all young people with Down’s syndrome access the specialist tools and support they need for vibrant lives. As of August 2024, she now works full time at Learn and Thrive, pushing the charity forward to support more children and young people every day. For Jo, this isn’t just a job – it’s a lifestyle!
When: Tuesday 12th May
At this session we will be joined by Gillian Hyams from Gillespie MacAndrew to talk about Wills and Trusts.
Gillian is an Associate at Gillespie MacAndrew and advises clients and their families on a wide range of private client work. She is particularly interested in Adults with Incapacity law, and often advises clients on Powers of Attorney, Guardianships, and other issues around Adults with Incapacity Law.
When: Wednesday 4th February
We are delighted to be welcoming back Maggie Woodhouse, Optometrist and Senior Lecturer at the School of Optometry & Vision Sciences at Cardiff University. For almost 40 years, Maggie’s main interests have been visual development and the provision of eye care for people with learning disabilities, particularly children with Down’s syndrome.
Maggie’s research has changed practice in eye care and she has been awarded both an OBE and a Queen’s Anniversary Award. Maggie and her colleagues run a Special Assessment Clinic for people with disabilities.
At this session, Maggie will speak about her role, sharing her knowledge and expertise about visual development and eye care for children with Down’s syndrome and refer to research on this. Time will be given at the end for Maggie to answer any questions you may have.
When: Tuesday 27th January
Grab a cuppa and Zoom in with us and Emma Steel head of globally acclaimed reading scheme Every Cherry. These books have been designed for people with ASN and come with a range of key features making them more accessible to all. Come along to hear the benefits of teaching reading and how these innovative books can support the reader.
When: Tuesday 23rd June
Alyson Baillie is a Community Infant Feeding Support Nurse with NHS Ayrshire and Arran. Alyson graduated with a BA Hons in Nursing Studies from Caledonia University and she is a Breastfeeding Peer Supporter with the Breastfeeding Network. Alyson has supported women with feeding their babies for 10 years. This session will cover the benefits of breastfeeding, common difficulties, methods of feeding your baby, and support available.
When: Tuesday 7th October
CALL Scotland works with schools to help children and young people with additional support needs to access the curriculum and communication through assistive technologies.
During this practical session, Claire Harrison, Assistive Technology & Complex Needs Teacher at CALL Scotland, will demonstrate some of the fantastic built-in accessibility tools that are available on all iPads as well as show some apps that are useful for supporting early literacy and numeracy skills. There will also be an opportunity to find out more about the work of CALL Scotland.
When: Thursday 11th September