Down Syndrome Liverpool Blogtag:,2008:/6582008-09-03T13:58:33ZMovable Type Enterprise 4.21-enEVERTON FC CHEQUE PRESENTATION AT GOODISON PARK tag:downsyndrome.merseyblogs.co.uk,2008://192.552402008-09-03T13:45:01Z2008-09-03T13:58:33ZOn Saturday August 30th 2008 members of Down Syndrome Liverpool were invited to Goodison Park to receive a cheque for the sum of £5725.00. The donation came from former Everton player Lee Carsley, who had just months previously donated £1000...Thomas Reganwww.downsydromeliverpool.org.uk
On Saturday August 30th 2008 members of Down Syndrome Liverpool were invited to Goodison Park to receive a cheque for the sum of £5725.00.
The donation came from former Everton player Lee Carsley, who had just months previously donated £1000 to our charity. Lee, now at Birmingham City has once again shown huge generosity to Down Syndrome Liverpool, to put some perspective into his latest act of goodwill this amount is equal to a years funding for DSL.
Pictured on the hallowed turf before the Everton v Portsmouth match (from left to right): Thomas Regan (DSL), Thomas Regan, Shauna Hogan, Margaret Hogan (DSL), Dave Hickson (Everton Legend), John Hogan (DSL). Inset: Shauna waves to the crowd.]]>
Charity football team choose DSL as benefactorstag:downsyndrome.merseyblogs.co.uk,2008://192.537262008-08-12T12:38:52Z2008-08-12T13:26:32ZFirstly, let me start by apologising for my lack of posts recently, after a hectic few months I am pleased to be back blogging again. I am pleased to announce in this blog that we have been appointed main benefactors...Thomas Reganwww.downsydromeliverpool.org.uk
Firstly, let me start by apologising for my lack of posts recently, after a hectic few months I am pleased to be back blogging again.
I am pleased to announce in this blog that we have been appointed main benefactors of a local football team set-up by my friend and colleague at the Liverpool ECHO.
Greg O'Keefe and his friends decided to join the local charity football scene on Merseyside and approached me with the idea of donating any monies raised to Down Syndrome Liverpool. Not only does it provide us with a regular donation it spreads the word of Down Syndrome throughout the city. This can only raise our charity's profile and subsequently benefit our members.
The team played their first match a fortnight ago with their new name DS Domingo's unfortunately going down 1-2 against local outfit Molyneux. Hopefully this Sunday the result will go our way when DS Domingo's take on Bramley Moore at Stuart Road, Bootle (12.30pm).
I will post a team photo of the lads in their new strip complete with the Down Syndrome Liverpool logo emblazed on the shirt soon.
Awareness Week 2008 - DSL Sainsbury's Bag Packtag:downsyndrome.merseyblogs.co.uk,2008://192.480842008-05-28T14:41:05Z2008-05-28T14:46:32ZThis years Awareness Week will run from Monday 2nd - Sunday 8th June and Down Syndrome Liverpool have organised a 'Bag Pack' at Sainsbury’s on East Prescot Road on Saturday 7th June. The theme this year is about empowering people...Thomas Reganwww.downsydromeliverpool.org.uk
This years Awareness Week will run from Monday 2nd - Sunday 8th June and Down Syndrome Liverpool have organised a 'Bag Pack' at Sainsbury’s on East Prescot Road on Saturday 7th June.
The theme this year is about empowering people with Down’s syndrome along with their parents, carers, family and friends to be aware of their human rights and to demand them in all aspects of life.
Every year Awareness Week gives all members and supporters the opportunity to stand-up and shout-out about Down’s syndrome. It is the perfect chance to raise awareness of the work of the local charities like Down Syndrome Liverpool and to champion the rights of people with Down’s syndrome.
We will be packing bags and advertising our Charity from 10am onwards.
Please come along and get involved. We need volunteers to help pack bags and children to hand out our leaflets. Children of any age would be welcome to help distribute our information; however, very young children would need to be accompanied by a parent or carer.
If you can spare an hour or so to help out, please contact the secretary on the following link – anne.wilde1@btinternet.com or telephone on 0151 427 2699.
Or alternatively, please comment on this blog.
Thank you.
Big thanks to Everton star Lee Carsley!tag:downsyndrome.merseyblogs.co.uk,2008://192.467402008-05-14T11:28:16Z2008-05-14T11:41:22ZYou may remember some time ago I blooged that the Everton FC midfielder Lee Carsley, who has a young son with Down syndrome, had put up for auction a Planet Hollywood leather jacket, an item all the first team squad...Thomas Reganwww.downsydromeliverpool.org.uk
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Shauna Hogan and Daniel Daley both keen Evertonians managed to get time off from school to come and meet Lee and discuss tactics with him for the last game of the season - something must have rubbed off!
This is a significant sum raised for us by Lee and on behalf of Down Syndrome Liverpool the committee members and I as well as all our members would like to pass on our thanks and appreciation to Lee.
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BRAIN GYM at Parent/Toddler Grouptag:downsyndrome.merseyblogs.co.uk,2008://192.398152008-03-02T14:16:08Z2008-03-02T14:24:12ZAfter recommendation from one of the mum’s in the group we have booked 2 taster sessions of ‘Brain Gym’. We’re unsure whether to role out the sessions during the monthly support group or as 2 separate sessions – depending on...Thomas Reganwww.downsydromeliverpool.org.uk
After recommendation from one of the mum’s in the group we have booked 2 taster sessions of ‘Brain Gym’.
We’re unsure whether to role out the sessions during the monthly support group or as 2 separate sessions – depending on how many people are interested.
If you’d like to take part please contact Cathy at Dingle Lane Children’s Centre on: 0151 233 4934.
The two sessions would be split into two parts - one theory part for parents and one experiential session including the children (45 mins each with a break in between). For the theory part we would provide a creche in the room next door. Unfortunately we can only provide a crèche for 6 children so places would be limited.
Below is some information taken from the ‘Brain Gym’ website to give you some idea what it’s about.
What is Brain Gym®
Brain Gym® is an educational, movement based programme which uses simple movements to integrate the whole brain, senses and body, preparing the person with the physical skills they need to learn effectively. It can be used to improve a wide range of learning, attention and behaviour skills. Educational Kinesiology and Brain Gym® are the result of many years of research into learning and brain function by an educationalist, Dr Paul Dennison PhD, from the United States. It is now used in over 45 countries and is recognised as a safe, effective and innovative educational and self-development tool.
‘Children with Down’s syndrome master gross motor skills -- everything from rolling over to running but need additional help and encouragement to maximise development. Typical children walk at around 12 months of age, but the average child with Down syndrome walks at about 24 months of age. The mastery of gross motor development is the first arena in which children with Down’s syndrome will take on the challenges of life. Fine motor development, speech and education are all challenges that lie ahead, but gross motor development: rolling over, sitting, crawling and walking are the first challenges s/he will meet in life.
This workshop provides parents and with essential information about motor development including the impact of retained infant reflexes associated with Down syndrome.
In the two sessions we will run a two part workshop first working with parents on the theory and experiencing the movement for themselves and then getting the children involved with the exercises to improve balance and coordination. ‘
Who does it help?
Originally created to help children and adults with learning challenges, for example dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD, Brain Gym® is now used to improve functioning and life quality by people from all walks of life from education to the arts, business, healthcare, sport and personal development. The movements can be safely used by people of almost any age and mobility, from babies upwards.
What does it help?
The improvement in whole brain function that can result from use of the Brain Gym® movements has benefits such as:
academic skills – for example, reading, writing, spelling and maths
memory, concentration and focus
physical co-ordination and balance
communication skills and language development
self-development and personal stress management
Can BRAIN GYM® help with special needs, such as Attention Deficit Disorder, hyperactivity, brain damage, or similar challenges?
Children with special needs and severe learning challenges benefit positively from BRAIN GYM®, as is attested to by thousands of families using the activities. Licensed instructors specializing in this area of work may recommend a more intensive program and a simplified or assisted application of the movements.
Can the use of BRAIN GYM® activities or balances affect health, or alleviate stress?
Research over 30 years shows the correlation between brain organization (dominance patterns), attention deficit, allergies, and auto immune deficiency. Balance of the left and right cortical hemispheres depends on cross lateral patterning, including binocular vision, binaural hearing, and contralateral movement. Common sense tells us what research has validated: chronic one-sided behaviours (monocular vision or excessive left- or right-handedness), especially without the context of whole body movement, polarize the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system, adversely affecting learning, behaviour, and immune response. Both as a result and a possible cause of these one-sided behaviours, chronic anger, frustration, and depression become part of a cycle of habituated adrenal response and the related high levels of cortisol in the blood.
Does the use of BRAIN GYM® promote permanent, positive changes?
BRAIN GYM® promotes the ability to learn and to retain learning at a deep, whole-brained level. New learning occurs when a person is relaxed and easily able to access their sensory system for seeing and listening, and to comfortably feel and express their feelings. Learning tends to be more permanent, accessible, and applicable when a person is not tense, stressed, or frightened. As self-confidence and self-esteem increase, motivation and behaviour generally improve as well.
How does movement affect the brain? Do actual physical changes in the brain occur through the use of BRAIN GYM®?
Yes. Briefly, BRAIN GYM® works by facilitating optimal achievement of mental potential through specific movement experiences. All acts of speech, hearing, vision, and coordination are learned through a complex repertoire of movements. BRAIN GYM® promotes efficient communication among the many nerve cells and functional centres located throughout the brain and sensory motor system. Blocks in learning occur when the body is tense and information cannot flow freely among these centres. The BRAIN GYM® movements stimulate this flow of information within the brain and sensory system, freeing the innate ability to learn and function at top efficiency.
Is BRAIN GYM® the same as movement therapy, yoga, or other exercises?
BRAIN GYM® is similar to, yet different from, other movement programs. BRAIN GYM® helps to increase flexibility and coordination, as other programs do, yet it also provides specific activities to facilitate brain function for the physical skills required for such activities as reading, writing, and spelling. BRAIN GYM® is fun, easy, and requires no special talents or coordination skills. BRAIN GYM® is a good warm-up for all exercise programs.]]>
PARENT/CHILD SUPPORT GROUP UNDERWATER STREET PARTYtag:downsyndrome.merseyblogs.co.uk,2008://192.397572008-03-01T10:41:55Z2008-03-01T10:49:12ZDown Syndrome Liverpool have hired Underwater Street for an exclusive party on Friday 18th April. The party starts at 4.30pm and finishes at 6.30pm and includes a meal, ice cream and a party bag. The event is FREE but places...Thomas Reganwww.downsydromeliverpool.org.uk
Down Syndrome Liverpool have hired Underwater Street for an exclusive party on Friday 18th April. The party starts at 4.30pm and finishes at 6.30pm and includes a meal, ice cream and a party bag.
The event is FREE but places are limited, so please book ASAP. To book your child's place please call Cathy at Dingle Lane Children's Centre on 0151 233 4934.
WE ARE BEING VISITED BY ACORN FARM FOR THE DAYtag:downsyndrome.merseyblogs.co.uk,2008://192.397662008-02-26T10:47:47Z2008-02-26T10:56:15ZOur Parent/Child support group is going from strength to strength. On Monday 3rd March we will be having a visit at Dingle Lane Children's Centre from Maisy & Muriel the sheep, pygmy goats, rabbits, baby chicks, hens and ducks. Members...Thomas Reganwww.downsydromeliverpool.org.uk
Don't forget our new venue is Dingle Lane Children's Centre, Matthew Arnold School, Dingle, L8 9UB.]]>
Parent & Toddler Group at Dingle Childrens Centretag:downsyndrome.merseyblogs.co.uk,2008://192.360002008-01-16T14:49:47Z2008-01-16T14:54:17ZThe Down Syndrome Liverpool Parent and Toddler Group has moved to Dingle Childrens Centre and starts on Monday 21st January. The session runs from 12.30 and finishes at 3pm. For the time being the sessions will run once a month....Thomas Reganwww.downsydromeliverpool.org.uk
The Down Syndrome Liverpool Parent and Toddler Group has moved to Dingle Childrens Centre and starts on Monday 21st January.
The session runs from 12.30 and finishes at 3pm. For the time being the sessions will run once a month.
There will be food for the parents and kids and Wavy Davy will be coming to do a session with the kids. Anyone wishing to attend please turn up on the day.
Fancy Dress (Halloween) Partytag:downsyndrome.merseyblogs.co.uk,2007://192.289312007-10-30T09:57:17Z2007-10-30T10:16:23ZThe AGM/Fancy Dress Party was held last Sunday (28th). Yet again we had a good turn-out of members with all the kids enjoying themselves. It's always great to see the kids dancing and playing games, although Charlotte wasn't too keen...Thomas Reganwww.downsydromeliverpool.org.uk
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Preparations are well under way for the Down Syndrome Liverpool Christmas party. Another get together for the kids and a visit from Santa!
Hopefully Charlotte may participate on the dance floor next month. Here's hoping.
Paint along with Lottie...tag:downsyndrome.merseyblogs.co.uk,2007://192.284232007-10-24T09:04:39Z2007-10-24T20:08:38ZMy sister had the bright idea of inviting Charlotte round to her house on Sunday to do some painting. We arrived to find the living room floor covered with pages from the Echo (good for something then eh!) and a...Thomas Reganwww.downsydromeliverpool.org.uk
My sister had the bright idea of inviting Charlotte round to her house on Sunday to do some painting.
We arrived to find the living room floor covered with pages from the Echo (good for something then eh!) and a large roll of white paper for Lottie and her 10 month old cousin, Ellie to run up and down on with paint-covered feet.
Charlotte decided she wasn't stopping at painting her feet, oh no. She covered herself in the stuff. Funny how our Melonie's child wasn't covered head to toe in paint though!
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Off school and off worktag:downsyndrome.merseyblogs.co.uk,2007://192.268002007-10-08T07:58:55Z2007-10-09T08:00:03ZLast week Charlotte was ill for the whole week. I had to take some time off work as her viral infection took a hold. It's the first time she has been absent from school and it's something we may have...Thomas Reganwww.downsydromeliverpool.org.uk
Last week Charlotte was ill for the whole week.
I had to take some time off work as her viral infection took a hold. It's the first time she has been absent from school and it's something we may have to get used to as her immune system is not very good at fighting illnesses.
The good news today is she has recovered and gone back to school, hopefully she will be fine now.
Being off work and spending time with her was great though despite CBeebies/Nick Jnr constantly dominating the TV. It was that bad I had to wait for Charlotte to have a nap before I could watch Sky Sports News.
Some observations whilst I was off -
Do you think Postman Pat joins the postal strike?
Why do the kids in Lazy Town have no parents?
What are the writers of In the Night Garden on?
And why is medicine so sticky and difficult to manage?
SPEECH AND LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN WITH DOWNS SYNDROMEtag:downsyndrome.merseyblogs.co.uk,2007://192.254472007-09-27T07:17:15Z2007-09-27T07:31:59ZThe Downs Syndrome Association are holding two training days in Liverpool on Speech and Language Development in Children with Downs Syndrome. The topics will cover: Day 1. Thursday 22nd November - Early Years Children. Day 2. Friday 23rd November -...Thomas Reganwww.downsydromeliverpool.org.uk
The Downs Syndrome Association are holding two training days in Liverpool on Speech and Language Development in Children with Downs Syndrome.
The topics will cover:
Day 1. Thursday 22nd November - Early Years Children.
Day 2. Friday 23rd November - School Aged Children
The event takes place in The Partnership for Learning, Speke (near the Jaguar factory).
Down Syndrome Liverpool have purchased ten places for parents to attend on these days. FIVE PER DAY.
If you wish to take up one of these places please comment below and I will get in touch.
Just indicate your name, address and which day you wish to attend by 20th October at the latest. Places will be allocated on first come first served basis.They are all day events and details regarding times/directions will be sent once places have been allocated.
AGM and Fancy Dress Partytag:downsyndrome.merseyblogs.co.uk,2007://192.254462007-09-25T09:12:12Z2007-09-25T09:47:05ZTime once again for the Down Syndrome Liverpool AGM - that came round pretty quickly. This years event is to be held on Sunday 28th October starting at 2.15pm. Whilst the AGM is underway entertainment will be provided for the...Thomas Reganwww.downsydromeliverpool.org.uk
Time once again for the Down Syndrome Liverpool AGM - that came round pretty quickly.
This years event is to be held on Sunday 28th October starting at 2.15pm. Whilst the AGM is underway entertainment will be provided for the children.
The AGM will be followed by a Fancy Dress Party with a discoand games for the kids as well as face painting. A buffet will also be provided.
The decision to hold a party at the same time as the AGM is too get as many of our members to the meeting as possible, in recent times the AGM has only been attended by committee members and a handful of DSL members.
Hopefully the fancy dress party will encourage DSL members to attend.
If anyone would like further information about the day, please comment below and I will email you the information as this event is a ticket only event.
DSA Launches TV ad campaigntag:downsyndrome.merseyblogs.co.uk,2007://192.240892007-09-10T13:06:44Z2007-09-10T13:35:58ZThere I was sitting at home watching continuous episodes of Peppa Pig on Nickelodean with Charlotte when an advert came on for the Down Syndrome Association. The ad features a cartoon boy called Josh who has Down's (pictured below). In...Thomas Reganwww.downsydromeliverpool.org.uk
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Kids bowled over at latest eventtag:downsyndrome.merseyblogs.co.uk,2007://192.237182007-09-07T07:45:04Z2007-09-07T07:49:19ZDown Syndrome LIVERPOOL Bowling night took place last Wednesday 29th August at the Hollywood Bowl. Up to 40 members turned up for our latest activity as everybody had a great night out....Thomas Reganwww.downsydromeliverpool.org.uk
Down Syndrome LIVERPOOL Bowling night took place last Wednesday 29th August at the Hollywood Bowl.
Up to 40 members turned up for our latest activity as everybody had a great night out.
There were a few budding king pins on the night as the strikes mounted up and the pins were skittled all helping the youngsters to develop a healthy appetite for the burgers and pizzas and which seemed to go down a treat.
For the adults, having a bar on the premises helped to quench their thirst although the effects on accuracy may well have been counter productive!
At the end of the night all the participants received a medal to remind them of their night out. Feedback form those attending has been very positive, we are thinking about doing this event again in the not too distant future.
Pictured on the hallowed turf before the Everton v Portsmouth match (from left to right): Thomas Regan (DSL), Thomas Regan, Shauna Hogan, Margaret Hogan (DSL), Dave Hickson (Everton Legend), John Hogan (DSL). Inset: Shauna waves to the crowd.]]>
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