We are delighted to share the exciting news that KAEFER UK & Ireland has signed a five-year corporate partnership agreement with Down’s Syndrome Scotland, reinforcing a relationship that has been growing since 2021.
This incredible partnership has already made a huge difference. Since 2021, KAEFER has raised over £65,000 to support Down’s Syndrome Scotland, Down Syndrome Ireland and the Down’s Syndrome Association. But it’s not just about fundraising. KAEFER has also championed awareness, inclusion and opportunity for people with Down’s syndrome across its sites and offices through awareness campaigns, internal events and their employment support scheme.
In 2022, KAEFER welcomed Sarah and Gary into their team, providing meaningful employment and helping build a more inclusive workplace. Their contributions have made a lasting impact and highlight the value of creating opportunities for people with Down’s syndrome.
Our partnership reached new heights at the 2025 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, with KAEFER providing essential logistical support to help bring the Down’s Syndrome Scotland Garden back to Scotland following the show. Designed by RHS Chelsea newcomers Nick Burton and Duncan Hall of Burton Hall Garden Design, the garden celebrates the voices and unique qualities of people with Down’s syndrome. The garden received a Silver-Gilt medal and won the People’s Choice Award for best Small Show Garden and became a powerful symbol of inclusion, featuring a water pool representing the challenges faced by people with Down’s syndrome – and a submerged bridge that helps overcome them.
Trevor Woodward, Business & Strategy Director at KAEFER UK & Ireland, shared:
“This partnership is built on shared values and a shared vision – one where inclusion and opportunity are at the heart of everything we do. Since 2021, we’ve grown together in meaningful ways: from raising funds and awareness to opening our doors to new colleagues through their employment support schemes. Signing this agreement is not the start of something new, but a celebration of what we’ve already achieved and our commitment to doing even more together in the years ahead.”
We are so grateful to KAEFER for their continued support, energy and passion for inclusion. As our Chief Executive Eddie McConnell says:
“We are thrilled to continue this amazing partnership with KAEFER UK & Ireland – they have become fantastic ambassadors for our community, always championing the value and potential of people with Down’s syndrome. We can’t wait to see how our partnership grows over the next 5 years.”
Together, we’re building a more inclusive future – and we’re just getting started!
Robert Owen Primary School has proudly celebrated World Down’s Syndrome Day (WDSD) every year since welcoming their first pupil with Down’s syndrome in 2019. At first, staff were understandably nervous – they had no previous experience supporting a child with the condition and wondered if they were fully equipped to meet the child’s needs. But from the very beginning, an open and honest partnership formed with the family, guided by the shared mindset of ‘figuring it out together’. With strong leadership from the Senior Leadership Team, the school began its journey with Trudy – and hasn’t looked back since.
On 21 March 2025, the whole school came together to mark WDSD in joyful and meaningful ways. Pupils wore brightly coloured socks and took part in a range of awareness-raising activities. The school assembly was led by two star pupils – Trudy and Lochlyn – both of whom have Down’s syndrome and are much-loved members of the school community.
Each year, pupils gain a deeper understanding of differences and similarities. They know that children with Down’s syndrome have likes, dislikes and unique personalities – just like everyone else. They’ve also learned that while people with Down’s syndrome have an extra chromosome, it simply means they develop and grow in their own way. This year, pupils from Trudy’s class created and delivered a presentation to encourage awareness and acceptance of difference. As they explained in their presentation, Robert Owen Memorial Primary School is an inclusive school where all children are welcome.
The school had so much fun celebrating the day – they took part in a Tea for 21 challenge, hosting a colourful cupcake party and also coloured in 21 sock designs. Down’s Syndrome Scotland’s Family Support Officer also gave a short talk about Down’s syndrome, but the day was truly led by the pupils themselves.
A special highlight came from Trudy’s brother, Patrick, who created and presented his own PowerPoint about what it’s like to be a sibling to someone with Down’s syndrome. He shared how important it is for him to look out for Trudy and keep her safe – a touching and personal insight.
The school also welcomed Down’s Connections, a theatre group that has worked with Trudy in dance and drama. Founder and director Alison Adam taught one of the group’s signature routines – ‘No Apologies’, Trudy’s favourite song – with its empowering message of embracing who you are. The children in Trudy’s class were thrilled to learn the choreography and take part.
It was a truly memorable day filled with learning, laughter and community spirit. A huge thank you to everyone at Robert Owen Memorial Primary School for celebrating in such fun, inclusive and meaningful ways.
Get your school involved on World Down’s Syndrome Day next March or in Down’s Syndrome Awareness Month in October! Let’s keep spreading awareness, acceptance and inclusion for all.
Take your support to new heights and experience this brand new abseiling experience!
A brand-new experience for Down’s Syndrome Scotland supporters! An abseil off the tallest whisky distillery in the world! It’s our best event yet, it’s the Port of Leith Distillery Abseil!
This is the first time this event has ever been done by anyone! This is a truly unique experience for you to ascend the 100ft drop off the Port of Leith Distillery. And, what a view you’ll have, with views across Edinburgh’s skyline and of the historic Royal Yacht Britannia beside you! Standing proudly on the waterfront, the Port of Leith Distillery is the UK’s first vertical distillery, a striking nine-storey tower wedged into Edinburgh’s historic harbour.
Restrictions: Participants must be 11 years old and over and weigh under 120kg.
Restrictions
Event Details
When: Saturday 10th May 2025
Where: Port of Leith, Edinburgh
To find out more about this event please click here.
Our supporter Alan Wyllie has signed up to take on the Mighty Stride Kiltwalk in August, walking the 21.5 miles from St Andrews to Dundee. He tells us a little bit about his inspiration:
“Niamh is about to enter Fourth Year at High School, and what a 15 years it has been. Born with a hole in her heart she has survived two open heart operations and a collapsed lung to become the lively and cheeky youngster she is nowadays. Smart, capable and very loving she’s been an absolute joy from the minute she arrived in the world. Down’s Syndrome Scotland has been a great support to us along the way, and though for each of us the kind of support required is different, the main thing for Niamh has been the Teenspace events and Zoom meetings. She has loved them from the start, particularly the Karaoke and has built a great community of friends which have enriched her life greatly.
I chose to fundraise for Down’s Syndrome Scotland so that others can continue to benefit from the great work that they do.”
A massive thank you to Alan who has already raised £545. You can support Alan’s fundraising via his JustGiving page here.
There is still time to sign up to take part in the Dundee and Edinburgh Kiltwalk – you can find out more and sign up here.