Omagh Area Downs Syndrome Support Group

Public benefits

a.Reduced stress and anxiety, increased confidence in coping with typical problems, raising expectations and therefore helping persons with Downs Syndrome reach their full potential, relieving suffering from medical problems by sharing information. Evidence: Minutes of monthly meetings which record experiences of carers , how they value the support

from other members and also how they ( the carers) have acted on the advice from other carers with positive outcomes. Harm: The possible harm is that a negative attitude can be fostered which can influence a carers expectations and reduce use of a service. This is countered by way of consciously encouraging a problem solving approach. Beneficiaries: persons with Downs Syndrome , their families and carers in the Omagh District Council area. Private benefit: The committee is comprised of parents and carers of persons with Downs Syndrome and therefore committee members benefit from outings and functions organised by the group as entire families are invited to attend. This is an incidental unavoidable benefit as all persons with Downs syndrome must be supervised by a carer on outings. b.Direct benefit: Improved acceptance of persons with Downs Syndrome in places of work and recreation, reducing discrimination and improving employability and access to services such as schools , clubs etc. Evidence: Anecdotal evidence from carers and employers inform us how newspaper articles provoke positive comments from members of the public. More of our members are attending main stream school than in the past. Harm: By increasing knowledge about learning and physical disabilities that are associated with Downs Syndrome this may be interpreted in a negative way but the aim is to emphasise the positive aspects. Beneficiaries: Persons with Downs Syndrome, members of the public who may come into contact with persons with Downs syndrome in place of work , in the playpark , at school etc. Private benefit: none c. Direct benefit: relief of suffering , maximising each individuals potential to live an independent life, improved health outcomes Evidence: Minutes of monthly meetings record carer reports of improved communication, increased physical awareness and activity. Scholarly articles from medical journals support the use of interventions such as aids to improve communication. Harm: There is the potential for harm by injury when increasing physical exercise but the benefits outweigh the risks, there is also the potential to increase stammering when there is increased focus on speech development but the benefits outweigh the risks Beneficiaries:Members with Downs Syndrome Private benefit: As committee members are all carers / parents they and / or their families may incidentally benefit from services provided for the person with Downs Syndrome e.g. ipad apps and games to aid communication. This is incidental and necessary. d.Direct benefit: An organisation or group whose aims are concordant with Omagh area Downs Syndrome support group may be able to further these aims as a result of financial and moral support from our group e.g. the production of a musical involving persons with a learning disability including Downs Syndrome will improve the social skills of the participants , improve confidence and help to develop communication skills Evidence: Direct involvement of our members and or carers mean that first hand accounts are available to the group of the success or otherwise of the sponsored activity. Also the group requests a report (written or verbal) to qualify how its contribution has been used. Harm:Potential for harm arising from this purpose is that direct control of monies is surrendered and money could be misspent , however by asking for reports and attending the activities , this potential is reduced. Private benefit: The group has not knowingly sponsored any activity for private benefit and is satisfied that any monies donated have been spent in accordance with it

What your organisation does

1. Arrange monthly meetings for parents and carers 2. Arrange outings for members and their families e.g. summer barbeque, play area/ sensory garden trip. 3. Arrange activities e.g. dance / gymnastics 4. Arrange information sessions for parents/ carers or facilitate attendance at relevant sessions