DS Achieve - Young Achievers social skills group (ages 12 -17) - 22/02/2025

One of DS Achieve’s objectives is to support children and young people with Down Syndrome to reach their potential through programmes that build skills. Our Young Achievers programme aims to deliver this outcome through a weekly term-time group for children and teenagers with Down Syndrome, which gives them the opportunity to participate in games and activities designed to help them develop:

• teamwork
• social skills
• practical skills for life
• physical activity
• improved wellbeing

All while having fun and developing friendships!

Children and teenagers with Down Syndrome often find it difficult to access social opportunities that are not tailored to meet their individual needs. The programme will provide them with a safe environment to develop the skills they need to thrive in their communities. Bringing children and teenagers with Down Syndrome together on a regular basis also helps them to develop positivity and confidence in who they are by providing them with the opportunity to build strong peer to peer friendships.

In order for children/young people with Down Syndrome to develop their skills and build friendships, our programme is designed to support them to:

• Have fun
• Feel safe
• Be confident in themselves
• Be motivated
• Feel valued
• Be able to participate fully

The Young Achievers programme runs weekly in term time on Saturday afternoons and is led by an experienced Group Leader and an Assistant Leader, with support from our Support Worker and volunteers. There are two groups, based on age:

• Children aged 5 (Year R) to 11 years (Year 6) - 2:30pm-3:30pm on Saturday

• Children aged 12 (Year 7) to 17 years (Year 12/13): 4pm - 5:30pm on Saturday

The term dates will be:

• 11th, 18th, 25th January
• 1st, 8th, 15th February

• (No session on 22nd February due to half term break)

• 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th March

The sessions will be held at our venue at Applecroft School in Welwyn Garden City, and may include professional visitors from time to time.

Activities may include team games, sports tasters, crafts, dance, music, and/or cooking. Activities will be tailored to the needs and interests of the attendees. Teenage siblings (aged 16+) are very welcome to volunteer at the older age group. If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact us on info@dsachieve.org.

**NB If the cost of the sessions is an issue at all, please contact us to discuss it: info@dsachieve.org. We do not want the cost to be a barrier to your child/young person attending the programme **

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