Our Story
Since 2001, we have been dedicated to supporting people with Down’s Syndrome and their families and carers.
We provide support at every stage of life to families based in the Ballymena, Coleraine, Ballymoney area and surrounds.
We know that every person with Down’s Syndrome is a unique individual, full of potential and our focus is always “how can we improve the lives of our children?”
Through fundraising, we provide weekly activities including communication groups, music therapy, multi-skills, All Stars music group and Allsorts youth club. We also run Halloween, Christmas parties and more. We influence education and health policy and help change attitudes. And of course, we offer each other plenty of moral support, sharing and caring for all!
Meet The Team
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Una- Chairperson
Hi, my name is Una Crowe. I have been chairperson for CDSSG since June 2021 and was previously Treasurer for 5 years. This group has been a real support for us since Cameron was born and it is a privilege to be involved now as chair.. I am married to Alan and we have 3 children, Alana 22, Pierce 21 and Cameron who has DS is 13. Cameron is a fun , mischievous teenager who loves his sport, He is a member of the special olympics swimming club in Ballymoney , Ballymena Bears rugby team and Coleraine strikers disability football team in Coleraine. So mums ‘taxi’ is busy! Cameron is maturing into a wonderful young man who we are all very proud of! He currently attends Sandelford school in Coleraine having attended Mainstream Primary St Colums Portstewart for 7years.
Connie-
Vice Chairperson
Hi, I’m Connie, mum to Bridget who is now 4. Bridget has a big sister Eimear who loves her dearly. I work from home for our family Electrical contracting business run by my husband Brendan, this give me the flexibility to be at home with my girls.
I joined the group a couple of months after Bridget was born. We would be lost without the group for support from other parents and the therapies offered to our children. It has been fantastic! I love to offer advice to other parents or help organise events or raise money for the charity when I can. The Down’s syndrome Community is the best community to be a part of!
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Frances Ann-
Treasurer
Hello - My name is Frances-Ann. I'm married to Richard and we have three daughters. Jane, Elise and Ava. We live in Coleraine and love all that the north coast offers. We just love to walk, cycle and swim in the sea.
Ava was born in 2015 and our family has never looked back. She goes to the Irish Society Primary School in Coleraine and really enjoys playing with her classmates. The school have fabulous outdoor facilities which Ava adores. She enjoys tennis, all things music and keeping everyone on their toes! Ava is a very healthy, happy, adventurous and caring little girl. She most certainly is the boss in the house. She has her Daddy wrapped round her little finger!
Yvonne-
Secretary
I’m Yvonne. Kevin and I have 3 children, Úna, Christy & Máiréad. Máiréad loves talking and showing her strong willed attitude! She attends school with Úna & Christy, and is really involved in school life. She is very active - she loves Camogie, Football, Gymnastics, Swimming , Tennis, the beach, body boarding & hide and seek! She has lots of friends and no matter where we go someone knows her! We wanted her to be able to talk & stand her ground and be known within a community. It’s all happened here within the Causeway area!
Cheriee-
Assistant Secretary
Hi, I’m Cheriee! I live on our family farm with my husband Peter and our three children Ruby, Henry and Ivy! Henry is currently in P2 at our local mainstream school and loves every second of it! He is such an active boy who enjoys all things farm (especially tractors!) going to the beach and playing with his two sisters! The help and support we have received from the group for the past 5 years has been invaluable and I just love being apart of it!