Supporting families for over 20 years
Helping children and young people with Down syndrome
Stepping Stones DS offers expert-led sessions, a supportive community, and opportunities to grow, connect, and build confidence. Everything we do helps children and young people with Down syndrome to reach their full potential.
Lloyd’s Children in Need Challenge
We are thrilled to share some exciting news. Our Charity Ambassador, Lloyd Martin, is part of this year’s BBC Children In Need Challenge Squad! Read more about Lloyd’s challenge in our blogs here:
Supporting Children and Young Adults with Down Syndrome and their Families
At Stepping Stones DS, we support children and young people with Down syndrome, from birth to age 25, and their families across South-East Berkshire, North Hampshire, and West Surrey. Click here to view our catchment area: SSDS Catchment
Since 2006, we have helped families to feel understood, supported, and included at every stage of their journey. Through our services and activities, children and young people gain skills, confidence, and friendships that help them thrive and reach their full potential in their local community.
The Support We Offer
We tailor our wide range of support to the individual needs of each child, family, and the professionals in their lives. Our activities focus on education, physical development, social skills, and family wellbeing – building confidence, connection and lifelong skills.
Education Services
Through Early Development Groups, Communication Groups, and school outreach, we build key skills, support inclusion, and help children thrive. We work closely with families, schools, and professionals so every child has the best chance to reach their potential.
Social Activities
Our social activities provide safe, welcoming spaces for children and young people to connect, share experiences, and make friends. They also give families the chance to support one another, building a strong sense of community while navigating the joys and challenges of raising a child with Down syndrome.
Physical Activities
Our tennis, dance, and acrobatics sessions support health, movement, and coordination. These fun activities also build confidence and independence, giving children the chance to learn new skills in an enjoyable and supportive environment.
Wellbeing & Family Services
Through Connect Sessions, our Family Advisory Service, and other programmes, we provide parents and educators with the knowledge, guidance, and tools to support children with Down syndrome. These sessions also help build confidence, share experiences, and foster a caring community.
Together, We Can Create Brighter Futures
Your support can ensure that no family has to walk this journey alone. Every gift, large or small, opens the door to life-changing support.
Thanks to your generosity, children and young adults with Down syndrome can discover their strengths, build confidence, and reach their full potential.
Together, we can create brighter futures — one step at a time.
We’re proud to be a community-funded organisation, powered by the generosity of individuals, businesses, and local groups.
£20
£20 could fund a gymnastic session for one of our children, improving strength, coordination, and self-belief.
“Amelia’s strength has improved, and she’s gained confidence to jump into the foam pit since starting.”
Aoifa, Mum to Amelia
£50
£50 could fund a Communication Session, helping young people build friendships and social confidence.
“Lloyd loves attending. It’s given him more confidence with his communication, and he’s formed great friendships.”
Ceri, Mum to Lloyd
£100
£100 could support two children in an Early Development Group, helping them reaching key developmental milestones.
“Brilliant! It’s given us focussed ways of teaching Lilly. It’s helped us as parents teach her in a way that’s tailored to her style of learning.“
Beverly, Mum to Lillly
Family Voices
Every journey is unique – here’s how some of our families say Stepping Stones DS has made a difference in their lives:
“Without the support & help of Stepping Stones DS we would have been clueless. They were the light at the end of what seemed like a very long tunnel three years ago, and they remain our go-to today.”
Diane, Arabella’s Nan
“Stepping Stones DS has always been there for us. We will never be able to repay the kindness, generosity, & patience that Stepping Stones DS has given us over the last three years.”
Michelle, Ellis’ Mum
“Fortunately, we were lucky to find Stepping Stones DS early on. They have been a huge support to our family!”
Charlotte, Morris’ Mum
Every step matters
Help us create brighter futures for children and young people with Down syndrome
Whether you’re here to learn, give, or grow — there’s a place for you at Stepping Stones DS.