Disappointing that the #DownSyndromeAct guidance is yet further delayed, but this provides an additional opportunity for the Department of Health and Social Care to listen to ongoing concerns about the content & work productively with stakeholders to create robust & meaningful guidance, now long overdue.

A packed agenda incl. delays & ongoing issues with the #DownSyndromeAct guidance, the #AssistedDyingBill, & reported changes to EHCP eligibility. Thanks to Cambridge Uni CIDDRG for their Alzheimer’s presentation & florence garrett for sharing the Advisory Group ICB challenge results.

Thank you Minister Stephen Kinnock Department of Health and Social Care for working with the APPG for Down Syndrome & National Down Syndrome Policy Group to ensure the #DownSyndromeAct guidance is meaningful, robust & will improve outcomes for all. Reassuring timelines are confirmed for public consultation. Damian Hinds florence garrett #AndrewCooper

Wonderful treat this morning! Tasting session for Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association 💚 with Vanilla Catering ahead of this years fabulous black tie gala #FoodGloriousFood #Fundraising #PortsmouthDSA #BlackTieGala2025

Huge thanks to Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association 💚 volunteers Lucy and Matilda for attending Portsmouth City Council awards evening as our #charity representatives. We are honoured to have received a community inclusion grant which bring our families together at our annual summer celebration #inclusion

Another great activity evening for our members YMCA Fairthorne Manor with archery, zipwires, kayaking, inflatables & ice-cream! With thanks to the fab Fairthorne team, PCC Portsmouth today & to all our staff Stacey Brooks and volunteers for a wonderful evening. And it didn't

Great to meet Sarah and some of the lovely Neonatal nursing team from Hampshire Hospitals on behalf of @portsmouthdsa to chat about #DownSyndrome , supporting families & their babies. Huge thank you to Sarah for inviting us in! #Congratulations #WarmWelcome #LoveAndMilk #FamilyCentredCare

🚨 Ahoy shipmates! Join us aboard the iconic HMS Warrior for a night of fine dining, sea shanties, & exclusive auction prizes 🥂⚓🎟️Tickets: shorturl.at/3Pabf Sponsorships & prize donations welcome! #BlackTieDinner #Pompey #HMSWarrior1860 #PortsmouthDSA #SeaShanty

A wonderful visit this am to Portsmouth Hospitals University NHST 's Neonatal Team to deliver Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association 💚 New Parent Welcome Bag. The lovely team loved the bunny gifts for babies & we know that these packs will ensure every baby gets a warm welcome & the right support for their family 💚 #Congratulations

Great to support a Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association 💚 family this afternoon with their DLA claim for their child. Glad to be part of a team that can support families to maximise entitled income and ensure families get individualised support. 💜💚 #benefits #DownSyndrome #Support #FamilyCare

Like many disability groups & medical bodies incl. Royal College of Physicians & Royal College of Psychiatrists, we believe the #AssistedDyingBill is deeply flawed. 60+ orgs have signed an open letter warning of risks to the most vulnerable. Before Friday’s Third Reading urge your MP to act #AssistedDyingBill

Ahead of 3rd Reading of the Assisted Dying Bill MPs should read concerns raised by those working with individuals with Down syndrome & learning disabilities. I too believe the bill remains flawed & I join in urging Parliament to fulfil its duty to safeguard the vulnerable.

If MPs have even the slightest doubt about the adequacy of effective and enforceable safeguards, they have a legal and moral duty to protect the vulnerable - and must vote no to the #AssistedDyingBill on Friday. #NotThisBill Tommy Jessop

Looking forward to welcoming Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association 💚 preschool and baby families to our 10 Little Dinosaur themed sensory Learn & Play session! Great to explore numbers and literacy with different textures! #SensoryPlay #Numicon #Dinosaur #DownSyndrome #PortsmouthDSA #makaton #MessyPlay

🎶 An energetic work out in our balmy music room this evening, rounded off with a lovely solo ‘Waltzing Matilda’ from none other than MusicManProjectPortsmouth member Matilda! Join us for more music fun next Wednesday! 🎶#MusicIsMagic

Huge congratulations to our epic Skydivers who took on an incredible challenge, raising awareness & vital funds for Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association 💚 💚💜 it was the most amazing day, and so lovely to meet all their supporters too! TY all!! #CharityChallenge #FearlessFundraisers #JumpForACause

Delighted to be back representing Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association 💚 Hampshire Hospitals Florence Portal House to meet more members of their Multi Disciplinary Team today & chat about #DownSyndrome, welcoming babies and 'Delivering An Unexpected Diagnosis'. 💚 #Congratulations #AWarmWelcome #LanguageMatters

Students with #DownSyndrome were included in the school census for the first time this year, but data won’t be published due to early data collection issues. Department for Education confirms improvements are underway. We’re all hopeful next year’s data will be more accurate and complete.