On Saturday 21st March, North East Charity Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) will be planting both feet firmly behind the global awareness event World Down Syndrome Day and raising much needed funds for our Together 21 project. This years theme is “We Decide” and was inspired by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
PCP are encouraging people to “Rock Your Socks” by digging into the back of their draws to hunt out those lonely odd socks and wear them with pride to raise awareness and support for Together 21 by sharing photos on social media using #T21RYS2020.
Together 21 focuses on the specific learning needs of children with Down syndrome and provides a safe space for children and families to build friendships within peer groups, develop practical skills, boost confidence and celebrate successes whilst encouraging every child to realise their individual potential.
Brenda, Annabelle’s mother, said: “Together 21 has given me the skills to communicate with my beautiful daughter and a platform on which we can start our path together, learning new skills from both parents and staff. It’s shown me what Annabelle is able to achieve both now and in the future, and now I can stop thinking ‘What if’. It’s given us lifelong friends, knowledge and an insight into what Annabelle’s future goals will be. It’s given me the courage to look at Annabelle and see the beauty inside and out, and that she can become whatever she chooses by gaining knowledge from parents and staff about school etc. This group is vital for parents and children, as well as siblings. Without this group I don’t know what I would have done! My confidence has soared! I love going to Together 21 and long may it continue.”
Carol Gaskarth, Chief Executive, said: “Working with the families to support the development of Together 21 and seeing the children blossom and grow in both skills and confidence is amazing. Yet securing funding to support the group is so difficult – we want to get people talking and ultimately help us to raise vital funds. Wearing odd socks is a visible and fun way to get involved – employers could ask staff to donate £1 to wear odd socks for the day, school’s – how about holding a non-uniform day and local residents could join in too? The more the merrier, let’s get trending social media with our odd socks!”
To get find out how you can get involved please contact Jo Walker on T21.Rockyoursocks@pcp.uk.net or call 01325 321234.
