George Webster will make history by presenting award
#VirginMediaBAFTAs
‘being able to take part this year is very special. Things in the industry are slowly starting to change & seeing more people like me should become the norm. Thank you to
@BAFTA
’
What better way to celebrate the progress of the
#DownSyndromeBill
than on the steps of Number 10 with
@LiamFox
and members and supporters of the NDSPG. A great start to
#WDSD2022
So many excited children with
#DownSyndrome
receiving their copy of ‘This is Me!’ by one of our founding officers, TV and all-round superstars - George Webster - just in time for
#WorldBookDay
. George, you have so many mini-fans who think you’re fantastic 🥰
@NHS_RobW
A beautiful end to a wonderful day. Thank you to everyone who braved the artic weather and tube strike to come and show your support for the
#DownSyndromeBill
Thank you London Eye for showing your support and to
@LiamFox
for working so hard with us to make it happen.
Happy
#WorldDownSyndromeDay
! An exciting start to the day for our founding officers and their families with a trip to Downing Street. Later we will be joined by lots more people with Down syndrome, their families and professionals as we share with MPs at our celebratory event.
What a great day for
@NDSPolicyGroup
founding member
@fionnathan
, Freddie & Max representing their community at Parliament today. Pictured here in
@LiamFox
office before the
#DownSyndromeBill
event for MPs today @ Portcullis House. Thank you 2 all who came
James shares about his job in A&E at his local hospital, while Ed explains about his job with a water company. Potential employers were keen to listen and discuss ways their companies could also provide paid employment for people with Down syndrome.
#DownSyndromeAct
#Guidance
Really detailed meeting with minister
@mariacaulfield
and our Advisory Group. A very open discussion with significant commitments made by the minister who has taken away all the issues raised today for further work.
We are delighted that the
#DownSyndromeBill
passed its Third Reading today and now moves to the House of Lords. Very moving to hear MPs share their experiences and fantastic to see their commitment today to improve opportunities and outcomes for those with the condition.
Overwhelming support from over 90 groups working with people with Down syndrome & other learning disabilities for
#DownSyndromeBill
as it progresses through
@UKHouseofLords
There's still time for you to show your support in this letter
@BaronessHollins
Great to have Heidi Thomas (creator & producer Call the Midwife) & actor
@StephenMcGann
join us on Friday with
@LiamFox
to celebrate the
#DownSyndromeBill
passing its 2nd reading. Heidi says ⬇️
@AlStewartOBE
@LiamFox
We are delighted to have supported
@LiamFox
& worked together on the
#DownSyndromeBill
People with Down syndrome have been at the heart of Parliament today with MPs from across the House giving their support. Our team enjoy a well deserved rest in Liam’s office after the event ⬇️
Turn the sound up for this one 😂 People with Down syndrome deserve to be included in the activities they enjoy. Thank you to
@Girlguiding
& your volunteers for working towards this. The
#DownSyndromeBill
will raise the profile of those with DS
@LiamFox
#Brownies
“I would consider it an honour to come along to Parliament on the afternoon of the 26th, and would take great pride in standing shoulder to shoulder with your fantastic community.” Heidi Thomas, writer, creator, producer Call The Midwife. Sign up
@LiamFox
‘Hopefully people will listen to us, understand us and really talk to us so that we truly do have a voice.’ Inspiring words from actor & our ambassador
@tommyjessop
speaking at our event. He has been instrumental in the success of the
#DownSyndromeAct
It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to work with
@LiamFox
on the
#DownSyndromeBill
We are determined to continue the hard work, including people with Down syndrome, their families and the organisations that support them in the conversations we have. Join Us!
I am delighted to bring forward the
#DownSyndromeBill
as my Private Members' Bill. This Bill is a world first and has its Second Reading in the
@HouseofCommons
on Friday. This is why the
#DownSyndrome
Bill is needed👇
We’re so excited to launch our Consultation on Monday. We will present the answers you give as evidence to the
@DHSCgovuk
who will be writing the Guidance for the
#DownSyndromeAct
#MakeYourVoiceHeard
and make a difference. Please share and encourage others to take part.
If you are an adult with Down syndrome please do join our Advisory Group facilitated by our founding officers. You will be part of a dynamic group sharing your experiences and hopes for your future.
"We now have a Down Syndrome Act"
Let's celebrate 🍾🎉🥳
We cannot wait to start the next steps. Join up at where will be shortly announcing details of how you can get involved and have your voice heard!
#DownSyndromeAct
Tonight
#WeRememberDebbie
A beautiful young lady with a radiant smile, taken too soon in the cruelest of ways. Join us in a wave of light to remember Debbie Leitch who deserved so much more.
When a child has Down syndrome their family has an extra role as an advocate. They must learn to navigate new systems, source support, juggle every day life with appointments & therapies. Help make this easier & support
@LiamFox
and the
#DownSyndromeBill
We have worked hard to raise the profile of people with Down syndrome in Parliament by hosting meetings and events, bringing together MP’s and the Down syndrome community. This is great news and a sign of changing times. More to come!
#DownSyndromeAct
@LiamFox
Six new employees who have Down’s syndrome are now working in the Palace of Westminster as part of a pioneering programme to get people with the condition into work.
Amy works as a catering assistant as part of the initiative and is keen to serve some top dogs in government!
The
#DownSyndromeBill
has given young people with Down syndrome the opportunity to share their hopes for their futures. Their voices must be heard at the highest level and by those making decisions that impact them. If you are an adult with Down syndrome join them - see below 👇
We send our condolences to the family of Ben King, a young man with Down syndrome who suffered ‘ill-treatment’ & ‘wilful neglect’ at the hands of his carer. Dami Tobi Ayan has been jailed for 9 months after beating Ben, who later died from cardiac arrest.
Remember our short clip where Tom shared how he wants to be a fitness coach but can’t find a suitable course? Well look at him today putting
@thebodycoach
through his paces. Amazing things happen when people reach out and include. Great for your CV Tom!!
@LiamFox
@GillianKeegan
Delighted to see Tom of TomFit recording workout videos with the very wonderful
@thebodycoach
. Tom had a blast & we can't wait to see the videos!
Tom is working towards his dream to become a Fitness Coach, with training supported by
@FutureFit_UK
Together we can do this!
It was so great that you could both join us today to celebrate
#WorldDownSyndromeDay
What an amazing journey you have both been on, thank you for sharing it with so many.
Our Advisory Group formed a Human Library. This facilitates conversations between different groups. It challenges perceptions by putting names, faces & stories to the stereotypes. They will be engaging with MPs on
#WorldDownSyndromeDay
#DownSyndromeAct
#ChangingTheNarrative
Tweet your MP today and ask them to attend the event with
@LiamFox
tomorrow from 1:30-3:30pm. A great opportunity to discuss the
#DownSyndromeBill
with Dr Liam Fox MP
@fionnathan
What a year!!! Thank you to everyone who has supported us in our efforts to bring the voices of those with Down syndrome and their families to the heart ❤️ of Parliament.
Today’s the day! Second reading of the
#DownSyndromeBill
being brought by
@LiamFox
and supported by the government! Thank you! Looking forward to seeing everyone at Westminster this afternoon!
“We must not treat people with Down syndrome as second class citizens in their own country”
Thank you
@LiamFox
for championing people with
#DownSyndrome
in Parliament & challenging your colleagues to right historical wrongs. Ask your MP to vote for
#NC41
'We must not treat people with Down's Syndrome as second class citizens'
North Somerset MP and former Cabinet Minister
@LiamFox
is calling for abortions of foetuses with the condition to be made illegal past 24 weeks
Millie, a woman with
#DownSyndrome
makes a strong case in her support for the suggested
#NC34
amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill by
@LiamFox
MP
#NC34
to bring
#EqualityAt24
to babies with the condition.
Write to your MP
here 👉🏼
We are celebrating
#WorldDownSyndromeDay
#DownSyndromeAct
with afternoon tea on the Terrace at Parliament. We are holding an open ballot for people with Down syndrome, their families and leaders of organisations who support them. Details below 🍰
@LiamFox
A belated happy birthday to our wonderful Ambassador Mr
@StephenMcGann
. Steve always brings a bit of razzamatazz to our events and we’re very appreciative of his time and effort. Here he is leading the
#ChickenDanceChallenge
at our
#WorldDownSyndromeDay
event in Parliament 🥳🥂
Heidi Thomas, creator and producer of Call the Midwife, speaks beautifully about her brother David and her hopes for the
#DownSyndromeBill
which will be one step closer to becoming law following it’s 3rd reading this Friday 4th February.
@LiamFox
“The Queen is expected to give royal assent to the
#DownSyndromeBill
within next few days The legislation aims to make it easier for people with Down syndrome & their families to secure the services they need & to challenge officials not doing their duty.”
Our Advisory Group formed a Human Library. This facilitates conversations between different groups. It challenges perceptions by putting names, faces & stories to the stereotypes. They will be engaging with MPs on
#WorldDownSyndromeDay
#DownSyndromeAct
#ChangingTheNarrative
Today was the first day for Fionn, National Down Syndrome Policy Advisory Group Chair, on his jobshadow in UK Minister for Education Gillian Keegan's office in Westminster. "Fulfilling but tiring," he said. "Her team work really hard."
A law that treats us differently because of our characteristics doesn’t meet 2024 standards. Yet we have a law that does just that after 24 weeks of pregnancy where abortion can still be offered up to birth if Down syndrome is confirmed.
Write to your MP
'The world needs to change, because we're people and we exist and we deserve equal respect.'
George Webster made history when he became the first CBeebies presenter who has Down's Syndrome and now he's paving the way for others with learning disabilities.
Join us outside Parliament on 26th November for what we hope will be a celebratory event as MPs vote on
#DownSyndromeBill
Follow us, message, email contact
@dspg
.uk to stay informed. Families welcome, activities for the kids. Wear pink, blue or purple to create a wall of colour
Proud to be in the top three Twitter accounts most mentioned by MPs in the last 24 hours. With your support we have raised the profile of people with
#DownSyndrome
to a new height. It is inspiring to see our Advisory Group members speak for themselves at the highest level.
Perhaps the most inspiring outcome of the
#DownSyndromeAct
has been people with Down syndrome taking the opportunity to share their views with a wide-ranging and influential audience. Here one of our Advisory Group members shares her thoughts with Civil Servants.
#HaveYourSay
Huge thanks to
@StephenMcGann
for coming in on his day off to be our private tour guide at Call The Midwife studios 🎬🤰👩⚕️✝️ We held fake babies, explored infamous locations and met the cast in this brilliant production. We had a truly incredible time... ✨️ Roll on Series 13!
Born together, grow together, but protected differently before birth.
Join us in advocating for
#EqualityAt24
.
Write to your MP using our quick and easy template ⬇️
Ask them to support and vote for Sir
@LiamFox
amendment
#NC34
.
#Twins
“I would say to people who have autism, Down’s Syndrome or some physical disability, I would say go for it, act your heart out” James Martin
Congratulations to all involved in this award-winning film 🤩🥳🥂
We stand for change in a world where twins can share everything but equality. After 24 weeks, both twins should have equal protection. But if one twin has Down syndrome, they're not given the same rights. This is discrimination.
It's time for the law to recognise
#EqualityAt24
.
URGENT
An invitation from one of our founding officers and TV presenter, George Webster, to take part in our consultation. The results will be presented to the
@DHSCgovuk
to help them write effective and meaningful Guidance following the
#DownSyndromeAct
This truly is an historic day and we feel very privileged and humbled to have played our part. Thank you
@LiamFox
and team, your commitment and resolve has made the seemingly impossible a reality. We look forward to really celebrating this world-first on
#WorldDownSyndromeDay
"I passionately believe all babies, children and adults with Down syndrome should be treated equally with love, care and respect in our communities" Reuben
#DownSyndromeBill
Our founding officers with Down syndrome have entered
@DimensionsUK
Learning Disability and Autism Leader’s List 2022 because of their outstanding work and taking a lead in their lives. We will hear if they’re successful in a few weeks time.
We were delighted to see the Down Syndrome Bill receive cross-party support at its second reading on 26th November 2021 and look forward to productive cross-party engagement at Committee stage.
Our Advisory Group has over 40 passionate individuals with Down syndrome from across the UK. They meet regularly to discuss issues that matter to them, they set their own agenda and host their own meetings. For more information email us contact
@ndspg
.org
@LiamFox
@mariacaulfield
We have come a long way but there is still a long way to go. It is not enough to just live longer, we are campaigning for people to live happier and fuller lives according to their wishes.
@LiamFox
announced The Down Syndrome Bill yesterday. It is ambitious, life changing and long overdue. We are delighted that Dr Liam Fox MP will champion this Bill with co-sponsor
@ElliotColburn
and look forward to working with them. Second reading Friday 26th November.
Professor Sue Buckley explains why she supports the Down Syndrome Bill via
@YouTube
Thank you
@SueBtalk
for your dedication to improving outcomes for people with Down syndrome for the past 50 years!
Congratulations to
@kenross2011
upon receiving his OBE today. Ken works tirelessly with
@PortsmouthDSA
and
@NDSPolicyGroup
putting words into action and making inclusion for people with Down syndrome a priority wherever he goes. We’re glad you and your family enjoyed your day! 🍾
Incredibly honoured today to be at Windsor Castle with my beautiful family for my investiture. I was presented with my OBE by HRH Princess Anne and was able to chat with her about my hopes for a more inclusive country for people with Down syndrome.
@JackHFRoss
@mrtomross