Seaford Downs Syndrome and Special Needs Support Group

The Seaford Downs Syndrome and Special Needs Support Group was set up a year ago by Senay Smallwood whose son Finn has Downs Syndrome.

“He is a very wonderful child. From the moment he was born I knew I needed to find out as much information as possible to help him develop to his full potential,” said Ms Smallwood.

Sports Physician, Dr Ese Stacey, whose daughter, Hannah also has Downs Syndrome, gives talks to the group on the importance of movement and music to the development of children’s brains.

Swimming and anything that challenges the brain through balance and coordination are really good. “Music is amazing.” she said.

“Children that take music lessons before the age of seven and continue for about three years have brains that develop better than those that don’t. Music helps maths, spatial and verbal reasoning,” said Dr Stacey.

Ms Smallwood said, “Since meeting her, my son has already achieved so much more and I soon realized that this information needs to be shared with others to help raise the standards of expectations for our children.”

The group meets once a month at the Downs Leisure Centre on Sutton Road. They run activities such as exercise classes, talks and they have a small information library that parents can use.

“The group is a vital resource in helping people through the dark moments,” said Ms Smallwood.

For more information visit www.seaford-dssnsg.co.uk