Recently Vicky and I received a letter from a parent whose daughter has Down's syndrome.
In the letter it is their intention to meet other parents and children in the Liverpool area with Down's syndrome with the hope of forming a group and meeting on a regular basis.
That's all well and good and fair play to them but I have my concerns about this letter.
Quite simply a group already exists in Liverpool - Down Syndrome Liverpool (of which myself and Vicky are on the committee). Yes, people can form their own group and meet, that's no problem at all. But, after reading this letter I am of the understanding the person inviting people to meet must not be aware of our existence.
This is something we as a committee MUST act upon. We are a registered charity and must do more to reach the people of Merseyside. This subject has been discussed many times at committee meetings over the past few months - what must we do to reach other parents/people touched by Down syndrome?
We have our new website, our newly designed newsletter and this blog acting as a forum for us to get our message across. As a committee we have, and are always evolving. Some of the stories I have heard about previous incumbents have been nothing short of shameful.
We must reach more people in the area, our message is positive and our outlook as a committee is unmitigated.
For instance, one example of how we can make a difference is we are in the process of helping one of our members who has had a disgraceful experience trying to get her daughter into a particular secondary school in the city. The matter is now in the hands of the Secretary of State - so we can make things happen for our members.
In the meantime, Vicky and I will take up the offer of meeting next Monday to let the people in attendance know that Down Syndrome Liverpool is here for them and that we do make a difference, whether it be the kids Christmas party or helping with their child's education needs.
- Post to:
del.icio.us
Digg
Newsvine
Nowpublic
Reddit
« Previous | Home | Next »
Guy wrote...
Something else you may want to consider taking to the committee as well...
When my daughter was born with DS four years ago, my wife and I approached the Liverpool group for help and support. We were flatly turned away because our "wheely bin" was the wrong colour!
As we live in Sefton (which when I last looked was in Merseyside!) we were not able to participate otherwise it would effect your "charitable status".
We have our own support group in Sefton, solidarity across Merseyside hasn't existed - but not for the want of trying.
Posted by: Guy | July 19, 2007 12:56 PM