PORTSMOUTH
DOWN SYNDROME
ASS
IATION
Unaudited Financial Statements
Year ended 31 March 2024
James Todd and Co. Limited

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
Contents
Trust6es' Repori and Financial Slalemenis year ended 31 March 2024 .
Independ8nl Examiner's Report to the Truste8s on the UnaudSted Flnanelal Stal&menls
of Portsmouth Down Syndrome Assoclallon .
30
statement ol Flnanclal Activlfjes for the year ended 31 March 2024
31
alance Sheet as at 31 March 2024 .
.32
Notès lo thè flnanclal statements for the yaar ended 31 March 2024
33-36

PORTSMOUTH
DOWN SYNDROME
Portsmouth Down S ndrome Association Trustees, Re
Flnancial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
ort and
Th8 Chalrp8rson submlls Portsmoulh DSA'S Annual Report and the Statement of Financ5al
Activities and Balance Sheet for the year ended 31 March 2024 on behalf of the Board of
Trustees.
Portsmouth Down S ndromo A$$o¢latl
Also known by the worklng name Portsmouth DSA
Form8rly known as Portsmouth Down Syndrome Support Group and Portsmouth Down
Syndrome Assoclatlon (Fooiprintsl
te
arll Number: 1147355
Istered Address: Unll 1. Aspen House, Airport Service Road, Portsmouth, Hants P03
5RA
Board ol Trustees.
Rachael Ross MBE Chalr (Dlrector of Fundraising & EducatIon￿ra￿rnIng, School Advlsory
Servica and Training Director. Community Llaison - business, hea5th. educatlon)
Ken Floss- Vic8-chair (Development (Xlicer, Fundralsing, Community Lialson)
Helen Nelson- Treasurer
Alice Osborne- Charlty S8cretary
Simon Brock- Truslee
Bank: HSBC, Comm8rclal Road, Portsmouth. P01 1 EP
Inde
endent Examiner: Mrs J D Watts FCCA, ACA
James Todd & Co, 24 Landport Terrace, Portsmouth P012RG
Patrong: We are very honoured to have the support of some wonderful indivlduals who lend
their support to th& charity and help us raise awareness:
Professor Sue Buckley QBE - world leading expert in education and development for
children with Down synolrome. and renowned Chiet Scientist of Down Syndrome
Education Internatlonal
Emma Barton (Actor)

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
SGott Heffield (Adventurer and TV Presenter)
Tim Treloar (Adventurer and TV Presenter)
Liam Bairstow (Actor)
Tommy Jessop (Actor)
Gregory Jones KC and Sherlll In the Clty ol London
Introduction
Portsmouth Down Syndrome Assoclatlon Is an award-winnlng charlty. and we are very proud
to have recelved royal approval and 'Freeth)m of the Glty. of Portsmouth lor our 'exemplary
work,.
Forfflgrly established in May 2009, Portsmouth Down Syndrome Associalion is committgd lo
improvlng the lives of indivlduals across the South of England and beyond. We know our
young people can succeed when givan th8 opportunlty with the rlght support, and we believe
they deseNe the same opportunities and right to be included and experience success as thelr
pe@rs.
Portsmouth DSA provides a range of some of the best specialist services and activities In the
UK. Our programme is the most fully comprehanslve and progresslve service package
supporting both the family and the child from tha point of diagnosis to young adulthood. Our
direct interventions in all areas of d8velopm8nt, education and training, assist families and
professlonals in providing tangible and elf&ctiv8 support lo Improv8 Outcomes. We teach
children tho skllls thgy n88d to raach Ihelr developmental mllestongs, SUCC8ed at school. and
become valued and productive members ol thelr communities. Services are offered Iree of
chargg, ellmlnatlng f5nancSal barrlers to ensure broad and equllabl8 access.
Portsmoulh DSA works hard to ralse awareness. champlon incluslon. and celebrate dlverslly
n all area5. Llfe expectancy has dramatically increased for people wllh Down syndrome.
However. awareness in the cornmunity, health and education prov15ion, employment
opportunlties and regulations have not kept pace wlth thSs progrèss, largely due to lack of
representalion and interest at governmental levels. As a result, individuals contlnue lo
experience InadeqLJate provision and outcomes, dlscriminalion and exclusion on daily
basis. W8 Striva to readdress the balancè and promote equality lor all by aquipping Indlviduals
& tamilles wllh the knowledge & skllls they need to succeed In all areas and improve outcomes,
by ralslng awareness in all sectors of soclety & sharlng the skills and thowledga required to
enable meaningful inclusion. When children wlth Down syndrome are given opportunities to
partlclpate and be lully Included, Ihe whole community benellls.
Our actlvltles contlnue to be very well re￿Ived by parenls and professlonals, our servlces
capacity Is full. and we continue to operate waiting lists due to high demand. Membershlp has
continued to steadily rise. and with careful planning we have been able to cater for all our
new families, needs. We have onGe again seen an increase in the number of prospecliva
parents with a diagnosis making contact, and also the number of families with a new baby
making contact has risen. As a first point of contact new families have been put In touch wilh
our excellent Family Liaison Team who always ensure a wami welcome.

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
Governance
Governlng Document
Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association is governed by a constitution adopted on 161h
November 2011 which has been approved by both HMRC and the Charity Commission.
The Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees of Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association has overall responsibility
for the charfty's actlvitie5 and finance. There ara currently five dedicated and experienced
trustees worklng eilhgr lull time or part time on behalf of the charily, three of whom are parents
of a chlld wlth Down syndrome.
The Chalr of Ihe Board and charity co-lounder Racha81 Ross
MBE, praviously seN8d on the Board of Trustees for Down
Syndrome Education Internalional IDSEI) for over flve years, as
WGII as on educational boards. Ra¢hael has experlence of
govgrnancg, fundraislng, and Issues Goncerning Down syndrome
at a local and natlonal level. As a qualllied English, Geography
and Drama teacher wlth speclalism in 'addilional needs,, and
parent of a chlld wlth Down syndrome, she created the nalional
r8adlng scheme 'Up lor Readlng, for DSEI which was endorsed
4 and supported by over 100 the UK'S top publlshers and leading
l authors and hel￿d to ralse the profi18 Df Down syndrome across
the UK. Her education and awareness articles have also been
featured In natlonal and reglonal educatlon publicatlons such as the Tlmes EduoalSonal
Supplement.
Rachael is also a Founding Olficerlorthe Natlonal Down Syndrome Pollcy Group INDSPG)
working as part of the team which spearheaded the recent Down Syndrome Act 2022, and she
drafled the initial Down Syndrome Bill with fellow trusleg Ken. The NDSPG acts as Secretarlat
to the All.Parliarnentary Group on Down Syndrorne. Rachael Is BAFTA'S flrst joint
Accessibility and Inclusion Patron, and along wllh fellow Irusteo Ken, they have been a leading
voice in improving authentic representallon and access for disabled talent in the film and TV
Industry.
In recognllion of her sustalned and outstandlng contribullon lo education and Down syndrome,
Rachael was awarded The Points of Light Award In 2015 by the seNing Prime Minister, the
prestigious Portsmouth Civic Award in 2018 presented by the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth. and
she was honoured by Ihg late Queen when she was made an MBE lor'SeNlces to Education
and Down Syndrome, in 2019. Rachael was tnost recently recognised by the late Queen, wlth
a Platinum Champions Award in 2022 and was seleGted as one of the top 70 exemplary
volunteers from across the UK. She was also recognised along with Ihe charity for her
'outstanding' efforts during the pandemic. recelving a 'speclal recognition, award from the late
Queen.

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
Rachael oversees the smooth running of the charity and is the Director ol Educatlonal
Services. She is the Nurseryy Schools and Further Education Advssory and Training
Servlce Manager, co-ordinates the teenage soclal actlvliy evenlngs, and is also the
charity's Director of Fundraising. She is a Founding Trustee for the National Down
Syndroma Policy Group acting as Sacretarial to the All-Parliamentary Group on Down
Syndrome and has been electad BAFfA's joint first Accessibility and Inclusion Patron.
Th8 charity's Vice-chairperson Ken Ross OBE is th8 charity's Development Officer. He has
worked as an entrepreneur predominantly in the real eslale, film and charity sectors. He is a
Founding Trusleg lor Ihe National Down Syndrome PoliGy Group acting as Secretariat to the
All-Parliamentary Group on Down Syndrome, and BAFTA'S joint first Accessibility and
Inclusion Patron. Ken is also the Director and Chair ol the Soulheast Hanls Special Olyrnpic
Team. Ken has significant experience in working with national bodies to provlde solutions
withln hls areas of expertlse with a particular locus on learnlng dlsability Inclusion wlthin the
Arts and real estate sectors. as well as worklng wlth various 'think tanks,. Kgn has been
honoured by HM the Queen, with a Platinum Champions Award and was selècted as one of
the 70 exemplary volunteers in the UK. He was also recognised along with thè charity lor his
'outstanding' efforts during the pandemic, receiving a 'spe¢ial recognition, award from the late
Queen. We were dellghted when Ken was recognised by the King in th8 Nèw Year's Honours
Llst 2024, and made an OBE for 'servlces lo Educatlon. Charlty and Down Syndrome,.
Helen Nelson Is the charlly's Treasurer. Helen has been PDSA'5 bookkèeper for sevèral
years and Contlnues to be an enlhuslasll¢ volunteer supportlng our evgnts and lundrals8rs.
She comes from a sensor banking background. bringing her vast knowledge and expertisa to
the role.
Trustee Allce Osborne Alice is a social worker by profession and has worked In th8 flald of
disability for over 18 years, becomlng a member of the charity slx years ago aflgr her son Ted
was born. She worked as a volunteér for several years before laklng on the rol8 of Charlty
and Communlty Manager. Last year we were delighted when Alice accepted the voluntary
posltion of Trustee on our board as permllted by our constilutlon. She continues to be
employed by the charity to manage our membership, welcome new lamillgs and lead our
community Ilalson t8am, In partlcular educallng and training health professionals to effectively
support new famllles as pèrmltted by our constltutlon. The Inclusion of Allce lo our team marks
a signlficant development in our organisalional capacliy and outreach. With her expertise and
enthuslasm, we have successfully expanded our communlty network still further, enabling us
to engage in a series of new projects and initiatives which will improvg Imaternityi outcom@s
for familios and individuals.
Trustee Simon Brock wmes from a senior banking background and brings hls exp8rt
knowledge of business and linance to the charity.
Most board members carry out various managerial and administrative responsibilllles as
'professional volunteers, in addition to their trustee role.
Management and Admin Team
We have a very small but hardworklng and dedlcated management and admln team, who work

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
alongside Rachael. Ken and Alice.
At Portsmouth DSA we fully recognisÈ the positlV8 impact regular social opportunities have on
our families. Our talented events officer Stacey Brooks was a long-standing volunteer on the
events team before stepping up to take over the role of Events Manager. Stacey now plans
and organises a wealth of exciting social opportunilies and events for our members, supported
by our charity volunteers, as w811 as coordinating the junior social activity evenings.
Catherine Crook, ¢o-founder of Portsmoulh DSA, has been actlvely volunteerlng for Ihs
charity since inception. She is also 8mployed for a lew hours a week as the charlty's Soclal
Communlcatlon Group Manager ensuring our te8nag8 communicatlon sèssions run
seamlessly throughout the year.
In Sepiember, in dasperate need of more admin support for our small team, we welcomed
Hannah Smllh who is amploy8d in Ihe role of Charity Admlnlstrator. helping to ensure our
centre runs smoothly. Hannah has volunt88red for the charity from early childhood and has
always supported our Gr8at South Run leam. either participating herself or supporting our
runners with DS and LD. She has also been an active volunt&er al our Special Olympic
sessions for many years, winning the Portsmouth Young Volunteer of the Year Award
2024. Hannah's positive attitud8, creative skllls and adaptabillly have made her an Snvaluabl8
asset to our team.
Thg bnard and manag8ment tearn are adivgly supportèd by a strong collective of charlty
practitioners, the Parent and Community Llalson Team, the Events Team and the Social Media
and IT team, as well as additional member volunteers and Indlviduals from the community, all
ol whom provlde valued support for the charity, and som8 of Ihes8 have volunteered lor many
years.
Awards and Acknowledgemenls
The Queen's Award - the MBE for Charltles
Portsmouth DSA Is very proud to have roy81 approvel.
It Is always wonderful when the charity racelves recognltlon for tha hard work and
achlevements of its gov8rnance team, practitioners, volunteers and members.
We were greatly honoured whgn Portsmouth DSA was awarded the Queen'8 Award for
oulstanding servlce In 2021. This award is the equivalenl of the MBE for charities,. the high8St
accolade for exemplary seNice for charities, which is awarded lor life. The Deputy Lord-
Lieutenant who nominated us, told us we were se18Cted from thousands of organisatlons. and
the national jLJdges were immensely impressed with our 'exceptional' work.
Charlty Chalry)erson Rachael Ross MBE sald, "We are extremely proud that the work of our
oulstanding team has been recognised by Her Majesty the Queen, and that our charity now
has Royal Approval. Our volunteers work very hard, but its hugely rewarding, and we never
fail to be amazed by all the children can achieve. This award is a tribute to th8 dedication of

Portsrnouth Down Syndrome Association
our brilliant team of Irustees, staff and volunteers, our wonderful families, and the local
comtnunity whose GolleGtive efforts and support have helped to make a real and positive
differen￿ to the lives Gf Ghildren with Down syndrom8."
We were further honoured by HM the Queen and the Royal Voluntary Service with The
Queen's Covid Special Recognition Award 2021 nominated by the Lord Lleutenanl of
Hampshire for outstanding work for the cornmunity during the COVID pandemic.
Portsmouth DSA is proud to have Freedom of the City of Portsmouth
We were delighted lo have been granted the prestiglous Freedom of the ciiy of
Portsmouth by the Lord Mayor Ihls year. for our 'phenom8nal support for Ih8 community
8nd to recognise dedication, self-sacrifi￿, skill and hard work by those who supported the
community during the GOVID pandemlc,.
Additional Awards and Acknowledgments
We wgra v8ry proud to win the Shaping Portsmouth Educallon Award 2020 for our
'oulslandlng contrlbution lo the fleld of education in the region,. Wé were thrilled to win the
Per51mmon Homes Best Educatlonal UK Charlty Award In 2019, b8aling over3,500 natSonal
& local charltlas to the accolade and securlng a substanllal grant of £100,000 towards our new
centre.
Trustea Racha81. and form@r trustee Lucy have previously been awarded the Polnts of Llghl
Award by formar PM, Davld Cameron, In recognitlon of oulslandlng charity work. Rachaèl
was also awarded the prestlglous Portsrnouth Clvl¢ Award for Servlces to Educallon and
Down Syndrome In 2018, presented by the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth. In 2019 th8 charity's
work was further spotlighted when Chaliperson Rachael was mado an MBE by the Queen
for servlces to educatlon and the fleld ol Down syndrome. In 2024, Trustee Ken was made
an OBE for servl¢es lo charlly, educatlon and down syndrome.
Three of our members receSved natlonal recognltlon for Iheir 'oulstandlng' and '8xernplary'
work in their communities. In June 2023 Rachael and Ken were recognized as two of 70
Platinum Jubilee Champions with medals presented by Klng Charles and Queen Camilla.
We were also delighted that Charliy Manager Allce was selected from thousands lo be a
Coronation Champion in 2023 by Queen Camilla.
Charlty ambassador Max received the Portsmouth Insplrallonal Men'lnsplrlng Young Man
Award, in 2022.
Our administrator Hannah was awarded Young Volunteer otthe Year 2024, for her sustained
contribution in the chariiy sector.
Thre8 of our volunteers, Katherlne Bull, Jenny Beard and Slva Ramaral received Insplrlng
Portsmouth Volunleer certificates from Portsmouth City Council.

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
Portsmouth DSA was finalist runner up in the National Diversity Awards in 2023.
These awards reflect the hard-working communty at Portsmouth DSA. They have helped to
Incraase awareness about Down syndrome and have also raised th6 profile of the charity
which has in turn had a positive impact on fundraising and donations, and improved community
relalions.
The charlty's objeGts are sel oul in tha charty's governing document:
To offer support and social activities for famili@s
To preserve and protect the health and welfar8 of children with Down syndrome
To advance th8 education of the medical professlon and the publlc when approprSate
about chlldhood dlsabS1ity
rLon
-awaited Charlt Relocatlon
After extensivè delays caused by the COVID pandemlc, and Subsequent delayed
refurbishmant works, we were dellghted to flnally relocate to our wonderful n6w centre last
year. This modern facility not only meets our charlty's growlng needs but also enhances our
capabillty to expand our s8rvices, for the first tlme enabllng us to employ an onslte
administrator, turther streamlining our operatlons. Our new centre features expansive office
space, a large kltchgn, dual therapy room5 enabllng slmultaneDUS sessions, an Interacllve
sénsory room, a spaclous teen room. and a generous lamily room where we have hosted a
hlghly successful party ￿lebratIng the Klng's Coronation. The centr8 is already provlng
invaluable, and w8 8agerly antlcipate Its ofllclal openlng later this year.
lvl
Portsmouth Down Syndrom8 Association remains commltted to Smproving the lives of chlldren
with Down syndrome and their families by provlding invaluable support and friendship, as woll
as essentlal servlces and training. We continue to dlr8ctly support familles, schools, education
professionals and health professionals in Hampshire. and the surrounding counties of Dorset,
Wesl Sussex and Wiltshire. We conlinue to receive further requests for support and
informatlon from across the UK and internallona15y, from Indivlduals, support groups, health
and educallon professionals and a variety of organisalions.
In the current economic climate, many families experience dlfllcullles accesslng speciallst
seNl¢es. and we havè continued to see a steady rise in families conta¢ling our charity,
particularly those living further afield as there are no Down syndrome support ServI￿S in th8ir
areas. There has also been a notable rise In educatlon profésslonals and particularly health
and social care professionals making contact to ask for advlce and support. It is reassuring to
see a rlse In new sUPPOrt groups setting up, along with established groups expanding their
range of speclallst servlc8, and we continue to signpost families to their closest support group
If they have one and to relevant support seNices. Many of these alternative groups have used
the Portsmouth DSA services model and have asked for advice frorn our Irustees and
practitioners, and some have attended our sessions and training for guldance.

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
We are proud to be able to share our skills, experience and knowledge in such a FK)Sitiv@ way,
and we actively encourage all support groups to do the Sa￿e.
We continue to support families seeking asylum in the UK, and our volunteers have risen to
the challenge, going above and beyond to ensure that individuals were warmly welcomed and
continue to have the necessary resourGes and support they need. or that virtual advi￿ is given
to the relevant professlonals.
Our social activitles include coffee and information momings, social events, information
sessions and our very popular seasonal parties.
We also provide a wid8 range of specialist health, soclal and educational servlces to families
and related organisations across Portsmouth. Hampshire. surrounding counties and beyond.
Th8se activities usually include our New Family Support Service, Baby Support Groups, Early
Development Groups. Learn and Play, Makalon Signing for adults, Makaton Slnglng.
Cornmunlcallon Groups, Soclal Communlcatlon Groups. our Teenage Buddy Iniliative and an
extenslve Educallon Advisory Service for schools, nurs8ri@s and further education colleges.
Thesè servlces ar8 progressive and comprehensive, starting from the point of diagnosis which
increasingly can be prenalally, and provide support for the chlld and thelr family throughout
their time In edu¢atlon.
Accompanylng the setvlces are speclallsl tralning packages whlch are often bespoke lo meet
the speciflc needs of our young people, parants and related professlonals. This year we have
been delighled to racalve invltations to train a wide variety ol professlonals includlng teaching
and support staff, doctors, matemiiy nurses and midwives, social workers. healthcare
student5. GPS and optometrists as well as parents and school students.
Comprehensive Speciallst Support from Ihe Point of Diagnosls
Through to Adulthood
Speclallst Servlces
Portsmouth DSA provides the best and most extenslve programme of free sp8clalist social
and educational support In the UK. dèlivered by leading exp8rts In Down syndrome. It Is a
comprehensive and progresslve package that starts from the point of diagnosis, and continues
throughout childhood and beyond. offerlng support in all areas of social and educational need
for young people, their families and ielaled professlonals.
Pre-natal and Post-natal Support
We have found that d8velopments in ante-natal screening have led to an Increase In pre-natal
dlagnosas, leading to an increase in the number of families and professionals contacling us at
thls lime. Our Parent and Communlty Lialson Team offers support and information from Ihe
point of diagnosis for lamilies and professionals.
Down Syndrome Specific Maternily Pathways
Afler many years of dedlcaled advocacy, we were thrilled ￿en 2 regional hospitals conlacted
us asking for our support in Groating their inaugural Down syndrom.e &poGifiG maternlty

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
pathways. We are delighted that one ol these pathways has now been approved and
implemented, and Ihe charity featured in the hospital's PR and media with a message of thanks
for our support. We are optimistic that these specialised pathways will raise awareness in the
medical community, combat measurably poorer maternity outcornes and higher rates of
stillbirth lor babies with Down syndrome, irnprove sgrvices for famili@s, @nhance quality ol care
and help ensure clear and consistent support for families, with better life outcomes. We
continue to work in positive partnership with hospitals.
Parent and Community Llalson Initiative
We are very proud of the links AIIc8 Osborne
and our communlty team have nurturad with
-,1 hospitals, and health prolessionals. and
I Portsmouth DSA is very much the 'go to,
organisation wh8n advic8 is needed about
Down syndrome specrfi¢ interv8ntions.
,iY
Our Communlty Llalson Initiative includes a
comprèhensive support system lor new parents
from the point of diagnosis. Prolesslonals
supporting the famlly make a referral to
Portsmouth DSA with the lamlly's permlsslon.
Our taam mak8 contact with new lamllles In
hospital, at homg andlor al our centre to answer
any questions and offgr advice and support. The
team also regularly works wllh mSdwlves, nurses, pa8diatricians, GPS. soclal workers, portage
workers and other relevant health professlonals to ensure they have the Informatlon and
training they need to effecllvely support families and colleagues.
Our Parent Welcome Pack is distrlbuted to maternlly unils and hospitals in the reglon and
continues to be very well received by new families. A world leading loy manulacturer are also
Impressed wlth our support pack and contlnue to support the initiative by donallng a soft toy
for each new famlly for Incluslon.
Supportlng Ilt8rature is distributed lo health professlonals Includlng our 'Dellverlng
Dlagnosls of Down Syndrome, and 'Posilive Language, advislng hDW best to dellver a
positive diagnosis and what language is best to use when Gonsid8ring Down syndrome.
Our programrn8 olfers bespoke tralning to health profasslonals Including our 'Down
Syndrome Today, training and to date our learn has had Ihe pleasure of dellvorlng training lo
thousands ot midwives, paediatricians. GPS, maternity nurses, health visitors, social workers
and other related professionals, aways with 1000/0 positive feedback.
The Initlatlve continues to be a blg success especially as families ar8 now automatlcally slgn-
posledlr6ferred to us by professionals. We continue lo receive excellent feedback from parents
and health prof8sslonals about our iniliativo.
"After your amazing talk, I took the learning points baGk to my practice and we've

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
updated our annual reviews for patients with Down syndrome. Already patients and
relatives have given great feedback and we have picked up hypoparathyroidism in the
first week in a newpatient to ourpractice who had never had a review with his previous
GP, so a massive thank you". (GP, Hampshire)
'Portsmouth DSA have helped us imn7ensely over the last year since we had ourprenatal
diagnosls. The supportprovided by their vlsits, alongside meeting famllles were without
doubt the main reason we were able make the decision to continue with the pregnancy."
{PDSA Parent 2023)
"Ifyou're worried about gettlng 8 diagnosls you wony look back once you Join Portsmouth
Down sydrome Association. Its such an amazing place that does so much. They have really
helped me to feel nom7al and understand its ok to have the bad days as wetre all been
Ihere. Its 8 family I neverknew I needed.. {PDSA Parenl, 2024)
'PDSA provldes wonderful personal and practical advice to chlldren and th8lr famllles, rlght
from the polnt of disgnosls. As a group ofp8edlatrlcians, we h&ve also benellted from some
fantastic teaching provided by the charity. Forging a closer link between medical staff and the
PDSA wlll undoubtedly enh8llGe the experience for young people wlth Downs syndrome."
James Hammond, Paediatrl¢ Registrar, Wessex
"PDSA guldellnes are 8 gr8at resource to help the neonstal te8m support the f8mllles In those
wonderful and challenging first lew days of lile. 35 neorpatal nursery nurses from the Th8n7es
Vslley 8nd Wessex Neon8t81 Network had the prlvilege of listening to PDSA repres&ntatlV8S
in a recenl conferenG8 run by the Neonatalunil in Portsmouth. This session tOUGhedus all 8nd
had a very positive influenGe in the way we think about children with Down syndrome., Susi
Hlll, Practlce Educator, Neonalal Intenslve Care Unlt QAH
Creatlng and Supportlng Unlque Communlty Inltlatlvès
Special eye clinic partnership
We were vary proud to have been
Instrumental in the establlshment of
England's flrsl Down syndrome
$peclall$t eye cllnlc at Portsmouth
University, offering highly specialist
services for children and adults with
Down syndrome. Our team collaborated
to provide comprehensive training for
staff and devised a dlfferentiated
programme enhanclng the accesslbilily
and effectiveness of eyecare services for
individuals with Down syndrome. The
clinic was in high demand. with farnilies
travelling Irom counties across the south
ot England to access these seNices.
10

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
Unfortunately, the clinic was a vlctim of Ihe COVID pandemic as il failed to secure continued
fundlng as funds were dlverted. and families were devastated when the clinic Glosed ils doors
in 2023. However, we are delighted lo support the relocation of many of the staff and specialist
equipment to a nearby local opticians Percy Harrisons offering the same specialist care, and
we continua our posiliv& partnership with them.
Baby Support Groups
Parents receive support from the point of diagnosis, and thls support follows on seamlessly
after blrth.
Portsmouth DSA Baby Support Groups ar8 delivered by
. ¥ our expert practitioners and offer a comprehensive support
system. for parents and infants up to 18 rnonlhs old. These
sessions provlde cruclal guidance on the healthcare
services and routine check-ups that parents should expect.
oullin8 the b&nefils available to them. and offer assistance
with tha completion ol application forms. Furthermore,
parents receive tailored advicg on various aspecls of child
dav8lopment and are introduced to effective activities that
can bo pracllced at home lo foster thelr child's growth and
development.
Crucially, parents are Introduced lo other families, and ar8
encouraged to form th81r own network of support. Many ot
our families hav6 lastlng frlendships that have spanned 16
years or more.
Learn and Play Sensory Sesslons
Our Learn and Play Sensory Sesslons are for pre-school famllies and are designed to
Introduc8 Stimulallng play and learnlng envlronments with an emphasis on sensory play to
activate th8 chlld's s8nses In a fun and relaxed settlng. These sesslons are delivered by Alice
Osborne and supported by volunteers, meaning that our stalf are free lo chal with parents,
ofter advice and answer any qugstions they might have. Alice also coordinates Ihe pre-school
activities and seNicos including our Makaton Signing Classes lor adults and our Makaton
Slng and Slgn sessions lor pre-school children.
New Sensory Room
Our naw intaractive sensory room was completod this year. Thi5 innovallve Spa￿ Is
dedlcated to supporting early brain cognitive development and sensory exploration.
Featuring a range of stimulating experiences-frorn soft lighting and soothing sounds to
lactile activities and vibrant visuals-our sensory room offers a safe and engaging
environmanl for infants to explorg, grow and have fun.
Each element of the room Is tailored lo nui1urg the developmental needs of young children.
helping io boost motor skills, 8nhancg 88nsory p8fGaPlion, and promoto emotional well-
being. Our sensory room provides an ideal setting for infants to reach important early

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
milèstones while also offering parents a unique opportunity
to engage in meaningful play with their infants in a sale
spa￿.
Early Development Groups
Early Intervention sesslons have proved to be invaluable for
our pre-school children, teaching them a wide range ol skills
to enable them to achieve their early developmental
rnilastones, and help prepare them for school. The groups
provlde regular structured actlvllles which cover areas such
as speech and language, readlng, cognitive development,
early nurnber work, social skills and fine and gross motor
skill development. These sessions are provided monthly for
the children who are under 24 months, and then increase to
fortnlghlly. Parents and their associated professionals are
also invlted to attend termly twlllght tralnlng sesslons coverlng a range of relevant topics. which
thls yaar have Included 'early numeracy skills., 'encouraging positive social skills and
managing behaviourf and Yine play and motor skills,. As well as parents, we encourage
assoGiatgd profèssionals to attend.
Speciallst resources are utilised such as the See gnd Learn Readlng and Speech and
Language materlals, and NumScon equipment. Parents are encouraged lo continue activities
with their children at home lo increase effectiveness. The sesslons not only benefit thè
chlldren who take part, but also parents can experience new methods and resources which
wlll support Ihelr child's development. Groups conslst of only two to four chlldren to enablg
maximum leainlng to take place.
Thank you lo National Lottery Community Fund, the Zurich Communlty Trust, the Percy
Bllton Charlty, Garfièld Weston Foundallon, Ihg Hants and Isle of Wlght Communlty
Fund. Hall and Woodhouse and the Wi¢kens Famlly Foundatlon who provided donatlons
to help fund our pre-school learning or for tumlture and equipment.
Communlcatlon Groups
There is a national shortage of speclalist Sp8ech and Language Therapisls and after struggllng
once again to r8plac8 our Ih8rapist who left us due to family bereavement, we declded to take
stops to train our own co-worker to deliver our Communication Groups with support from
Symbol UK and Portsmouth DSA practitioners. We welcomed Elena Ryabinova lo the team
who now delivers these weekend monthly groups for school age children aged 4- 11.
These Communication Groups, Goordinated by Allce, are the next educational phase bullding
on the foundation skills developed in our Early Developtnenl Groups. Groups consist DI three
or four children with a focus on interaction and cornmunication skills, with targets and activities
set to practise at home throughoul the month. Interventional stralggies are used to support all
areas of development, and alm to Improve speaklng and Ilstening, languago, roading and
social skills.
Social Communieation Groups
Children move on from the CommuniRtion Groups to our teenage Soclal Communication

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
Groups once they reach secondary school age. The format for these groups for our senior
members (aged 11 upwards) has &volved to consider their changing needs as they get older
and have been extremely successful. These groups are larger. and more informal with a
maximum of 10 individuals. Parents are not present, and the young people takg on mor8
responsibility for Iheir session,. they set up the room and decide whlch topics they would like
to discuss, they use iPads &iPhones. but the sessions continue to develop their speech,
language. convgrsatlon and soclal skills in a sale environment.
These monthly sesslons are coordlnated by Catherlne Crook, and led by our co.workers
Tracy Lea$on and Dannl Frances. Tracy has an abundance of experlence dellvering SALT
programmes and has worked with chlldrén wlth DS and SEND in an educational setting. Co-
worker Dann5 who works alongside Tracy, has experience ol working with young people wilh
a learning disability and Down syndromè and Is currently working as a part-tlme teaching
asslstant at Redwood Park Academy school whllst studylng for a BA in Edu¢atlon, Speclal
Needs and Disability at Chichestgr Univ8rsity. Both Danni and Tracy ara w811 Ilked by the
teenagers. Our Communication Groups and Social Communicalion Groups are ovarseen by
Leela Baksl (Symbol UK) specialist Speech and Language Therapist. The young p80p18
enjoy attending and the sessions and they contlnue to be popular wlth our m8mbers, oflering
Invaluabl6 social opportunities.
Our Unique Buddy Inltlatlve- Speclal Partnershlp wllh Klng Edward Vl School
We have developed strong links wSth many schools In the r8glon including Klng Edward Vl
School IKES) who have been active supporters of our charity over past years, and who often
participate in our Down Syndrome awareness celebrations each year.
We know that our young people often don't access the same social opportunities as thelr peers
and are at real risk of social isolation. W8 have be8n delighted to contlnLJe our excltlng Buddy
Partnership which is now in its sixth year with some olL18r students from Klng Edward Vl
School who joln us for our Teenage Soclal Communication Group outings with the alm of
developing frierKlshlps and soclal skllls.
The partnership has been hugely successful. and the students and our teenagers have
embraced the opportunity to engage with massive b8n8fits to all taking part.
Outings have included swimming, ski-slope donutting, and our ever-popular bam dance.
The buddy iniliativg is overseèn by Rachael Ross Iseniorl and Sta¢ey Brooks ljunior group).
13

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
It has been wonderful lo watch the friendships
developing throughout the year.
The academic year's partnership ended in a
successful summercamp atthe end of Augusl
at King Edward Vl School, whera pupils and
our tegnagers took part in fun activities, and
outings including trips to the zoo and a theme
park.
We were delighted last year to establlsh our
Junior Age Buddy Iniliative with KES
enabling us to be able lo offer this sam8
exciting buddying expgrience to our junior age
group. Activitias are focus8d on the school
slte, and Include sports, games and dancing. This new initiative has proved very popular and
provldas vllal soclallzlng opp)rtunilles for our lunlors.
"It Is a real pl8asur6 and privilege for King Edward Vl School to b8 partner in a long-standlng
relationship with Portsmouth Down Syndrome Assooiation. Through numerous activities and
social events. PDSA members and KES students form deep and meaningful bonds, and in
doing so hglp on8 another to grow8nd18arn. It would be veryeasy to assume that the benefits
of thls scheme arg targeted solely at nurturlng the young people from PDSA. but the truth Is
thst the learnlng galned by KES sludents Is equally profound. Thls Is one of our longest and
most cherlshedpartngrshlps." Neal Parker, Head, Klng Edward Vl School
We would Ilke lo thank everyone at KES for worklng wllh us In partnershlp enabling us to
provlde such an exciting and unique opportunlly for our leenagers.
"I love going to Ma￿811 Zoo and Paultons Park. I love maklng friends wllh Nadla and the
others 8nd doing things without mum and dad. I leel sale. I love spending tlme wlth my
mates from PDSA & KES, we do really cool slulf and have fun." PDSA Teenager
"PDSA means I g8t to enjoy fun activities monthly wlfh n8w friends, and I love Seeing th8
enjoymgnt that 8very single person gets out of il. It was a wonderful experienG8 I leamed so
much and made so many great frlendshlps and happy memorles - I can'f w8lt for next
summerl" KES Student
Thank you lo Portsmouth Cily Councll Inclusion Grants, Mencap and John Lewis for their
contributions this year towards our comThunicalion groups. and thank you to Jody and
Percusslon Play. who generously contlnue to sponsor our Teenage Buddy Initialivg.
Flagship School. College and Nursery Educatlon Speciallst Advlsory Servlce
Portsmoulh Down Syndrome Assoclallon worked hard to creale and develop our leading
School, College and Nursery Advlsory Servlce, Directed by Rachael Ross MBE, it is now
In its fifteenth year and we belleve It Is the best and most comprehensivo example of its kind
in the UK.

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
Our programme supports the successful inclusion of our members across more than 100
educational establishments across the south. We are proud to have now supported some of
our older members consist@ntly throughout their education from nursery all the way through to
further education. We have seen the advantages of this sustained intervention are manlfold.
including early identification and intervenlion for emèrging issues, smoother transitions
belween 8ducalional stages, a high8r rat8 of successful mainstream indusion, and enhanced
social and academic outcomes overall.
We receive enquiries from non-member schools and schools in neighbouring counties as
awarenessabout the seNice spreads. The seNice is in high demand, and we operate waltlng
lists.
Thls bespoke support seNice is a comprehenslve package Coverlng all aspects ol educatlon,
assessment. development and inclusion, individualised to meet the needs ol the sludenl and
school. The student Is vlsited in the school setting once a term. and school staff and parents
recelve advice in all areas of development Including successful differenllalion and teaching
stralegies. individual assessmenl and target setting. An annual report is provided to support
Ihe student's educatlonal needs In their Annual Revlew.
The package includ8s remote support for parents
and staff throughout th8 year, as well as bespoke
training and a Irouble-shooling sèrvice to address
any Issues whlch mlght arlse over the year.
This is our most axpensiv8 seNlc8, and as more
of our members reach senior school age, seNlce
provision in this area is expected to grow rapldly
which will impact on the charity's costs.
Whilst many primary schools have previously
benefited from our support and have had
8xp@rienc8 01 teachlng a child with DS, thls stlll
remains a largely unfamiliar area for the majority
of senlor schools.
Carelul considerallon has been glven to thls, and
the s2rvlce has been adapted accordingly. The
Senlor Schools Advlsory Package Includes Iransltion support, one full day vlslt a lorm,
with additional twilight training or feedback after the visit. and each new school also recelvès
an additional training session at the start of the term, or just prior to this.
Several termly trainlng sesslons are also included in the outreach programme on a variety of
relevanl topics delivered by our expert practitioners or experts in the Ileld of Down syndrome.
This year, as well as our annual DS overview and learnlng profile training, we have featured
topics includlng 'maths for life,. 'behaviour and supporting friendships,. 'scaflolding
independenl learning skills, and 'supporting speech and language across the curriculum,
and we have equipped schools with useful resources. lilrns and toolkits lo facililate inclusion.
All tralnlng Is relevant and based on up-to-dale and evidence-based research, and w8 are

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
very pleased to note that our training evaluation sheets continue to be 100Yo Posltive.
Last year, we made the decision la review our training model, and fully open our tralnlng to a
much wider audience. We were dèlight9d when representatives frorn Hampshire County
Council and Portsmouth City Council joined us for a variety of sessions. We have been
delighted lo have previously been joined by the SEND Couniy Inspector, who altended our
inclusion training. She was very impressed with the session and has since been actively
recommending our services to schools.
Our chalrp8rson and dlrector ot aducatlon Rachael was once again invited to contribute to
the Hampshire Inspection and Advisory Servlce SEND Publicalion which was cirGulat&d
to all schools in the county. Our guidance has also been featured In the national Tlmes
Educational Supplement with a circulation of 59,000 as well as online coverage.
Having our work showcased in this way is a great opportunity for us to ralse the profile ol DS
and the charity, and to spread our important message direct to schools and teaching staff
who do not automatically receive the training they need to successfully include our children.
Feedback has contlnued lo show that our Nursery Advisory Service and Nursery Twlllght
Tralnlng Servlce remalns very popular wlth our pre.school parents and relatad professionals.
Although the tralnlng takes place outside ol working hours in the avgning, th8 courses are
always full. Agaln, f86dback has be8n 1000/0 POSitIV8.
Tha School, Collgge and Nursery Sarvic8 has provided an excellent PR opportunity for the
Charity and has helped us dgvelop and maintaln strong links with the school communities with
many ot Ihose schools holding fundraising or awarenass days on our behalf partlcularly during
Down Syndrome Awareness Weok In March. We have been able lo offer schools a variety of
resources for their awareness celebratlDns, Includlng new PowerPolnt assemblles tor junior
and secondary age groups.
Thls year the charity partnered wilh some of our schools to produce Down syndrome speclflc
case sludies al the request of the Deparlment for Educatlon, wlth the intention of includlng
them In the forthcoming Down Syndrome Act Guldance.
Thg charity has prev1ously invested lime Into exploring alternativo accreditations and exam
courses whlch are mor& sultable lor our young people, some of these had not been accessed
previously and will offgr mgre choice and opportunlies, Inparlicular th8 WJEC examinations
board porttollo ot alternatlve quallflcallons known as the Entry Pathways.
The attraction of these qualifications for schools and pupils is thal its prescribed contant is
more flexible allowlng schools lo more easily include a pupll in a GCSE class, and schools can
more easily dual enter pupils for examinations. W8 have produced advice literature for parents
and professionals about all the options available, and an explanllory tralnlng sesslon for
schools land parents). Our practitioners have allocated extra tirne to work with Ihe relevant
schools, to explain more about the options availiable and to help them plan. Our schools have
been ke8n to explor8 these allernalive pathways and they have embraced our training and
guidan￿. These alternative options have revolutionised exam possibilities for our teenagers
and can also be of b8n8fit to other pupils in Ihe school comrnunity, and as our eldest cohort of
pupils reach exam age, they are leaving school with GCSES and more meaningful
qualllfacllons.
16

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
We were very graleful lo receivè a donations from thè King Charles 111 Charitable Fund.
PKCF and Tesco Groundworks towards OLFr school service, and thank them for their support.
Our Education Practitioners
Our servlces are all dellvered by experienced and highly qualified exp8rts in the field ol Down
syndrome. Kate Miltord Is our In-house education manager. Kate has more than twenty years,
experience leaching in mainstream secondary schools, most recently as Assistant
Headteacher and SENCO wilh responsibllity for inclus1on. In this role she has gained a wealth
of experience, d81ivering training on a range of special educational needs and supporting
teachers to dilterentiate their currlcula. Kate has Ilrst-hand knowledge and experience of
strat8gies which can be implemented to allow students with Down Syndrome to flourish both
socially and academically, whilst also developing independènl skills in preparation for
adulthood. Kate has been an asset to the team.
Allison Powell has a baGkground In secondary educatlon, and further trained as a specialist
advisory taach8r with Down Syndrome Education International. Alllson co-dellvers our Junior
and Senior School Advisory Servic8 and training, and is a recognlsed aulhorlty on the
education of Ghildren wilh DS, formerly working with Ups and Downs, Southwest. Allison has
worked to d8V81op a training programme and supporting lileralure to advlse schools and
parents on allernatlve accr£ditatlons and exam pathways which best enable our young p&opl8
lo gain a wide range of recognlsed qualiflcalions at school and our senior school pupils are
reaplng the rewards of this and are studylng for and galning meaningful qualilicalions enabling
greater Opiions at further educatlon level.
Becky Baxter {LETS Go! lormerly Down Syndrome Educatlon Internatlonall has over 21
years, experlenc8 Df worklng wllh chlldran wlth Down syndrom8. Sho is also a quallfled spegch
and language therapist. speGialislng In Down syndrome, and Is the ChaSr ol the Clinical
Excellence Network for Down Syndrome. BeGky co-(lelivèrs our Early Dev8lopment Groups,
Nursèry and Infant School Advlsory Servlce along wlth practitioners Sarah Holton, Sam
Wood, Tracy Nye and Kale Dale. Becky and har team have b88n worklng with Portsmouth
DSA slnce 2009.
Our H8ad Patron, Protessor Sue Buckley OBE, is one of th6 foremost global experts in
educatlon and development lor children with Down syndrome, and for well over 46 years, her
pioneering work has been enabling children with DS to reach thelr lull potential. Sue Is always
ready to offer her fri8ndship and expert advlce to the group.
We are fortunata and very excited to continug to work with som8 of the top educationalists and
DS experts in the UK, and the world.
Safeguardlng
We lake the issue of safeguarding our children very seriously. Trustees and service providers
have been approved by the Disclosure and Barring Seryice (DBSI which has r8placed the
Crlmlnal Records Bureau dlsclosure (CRB checks}. Uslng the D8S update service, thesg
records are checked regularly for any Changes by our Èlected Safeguarding Officer who has

Portsmouth Down Syndrome A550ciation
attended safeguarding training and shared relevant information with charily Staff and
volunteers. Key charity staff and volunteers have also attended safeguarding and first aid
training. We have a Safeguarding Pollcy with all relevant supporting documents and all
trustees and relevant staff, practitioners and volunteers are familiar with this doGument and
are awarg of procedure should there be any concams.
Social Events and Parties
Many children wlth a leamlng disability do not have tha same access to soclal opportunities
as th8ir peers, and famllies can feel soclally isolated. Wa encourage our families lo develop
their own ne￿Ork ol support, and our social events and parties remain of key importance to
provide families providing opportunities to come together, have fun make friends and share
experiences.
Events over the past flnancial year have Included our Tltchfield Railway Day and Plcnlc
generously hosted by the Fareham and Dlstrlet Society of Mod81 Engineers. our very
popular Easter party where children characters and recelved chocolate eggs donated by Asda,
Sainsburys and Tesco and solt toys *Jonated by TY Toys who hav8 SUPPOrted our 8V8nt for
many years., a spooky Halloween party supported by the Royal Navy; and a very suGcessful
outdoor activlty evening at Fairthorne Manor where chlldren are given the opportunlty to lake
part In activities such as kayaking, archery and climbing. All our events are extremely popular
and w911 alt8nded. Our Christmas Party In Dèc8mb8r was another blg success. The Ev8nt8
Team once again excelled themselves with thls avant, making an amazlng Sanla's Grotto and
hosting a fantastic party for the chlldren.
Thank you to Llttle Llfe for very generously sponsoring our Chrlstmas party ihls year, to the
repiesenlatives from th8 Zurleh Challenge team who very generously supported our
Christmas party with volunt89r hours and toy donatlon5, One Slop who once agaln mad8 a
donallon towards our ce18brallons, and Asda who regularly support our coffee mornings.
Portsmouth DSA knows how to throw a good party, and the biggest Ihanks must go to our
amazlng volunteers led by our events manager Stacey Brook8, who every year go above and
beyond to ensure our members have access to these amazing soclal opportunities.
VOLUNTEER
We encourage a community splrit wlthln aur membership. and a good ￿rCentage of our
members volunteer either on a regular or ad hoc basis. W8 estimated that over 600 volunteers
formèd part of our cheer teams Dr support8d our event over the Greal Soulh Run weekend
in additlon lo our 250 runners. The outstanding Rapld Relief Team of volunteers once again
generously donated time on Ihe day, along with refreshments and food lor all our supporters.
Our families and the Events Team regularly volunteer to support collectlons and other charity
activities.
We are lortunate that we have a strong core ol volunteers who support regularly, but it would
be good lo see some naw faces SUPPOrting our activities. All members and members of the
communityareverywel¢ome lojoin any of oursupportteams. orvolunteeron an ad hoc basis.
We have regular volunleers who help run our coffeo momings for parents and members of the
community, and also an events team of volunteerswho help plan arKI organisgour many social
18

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
and fundraising events. These teams included members from the wlder community, as well as
parents. Their support has beèn invaluable, and this has allowed us to timetable extra
awaranass events and fundraisers with OLJr charity partners this year. Our charity is largely
operatad by volunteers, and we are very gral8ful to everyon8 for their support.
In 2021 we were honoured by the Queen who awarded the charity the Queen's Award lor Voluntary
SeNice', the highest accolade any charity can ieceive, and the equivalent lo an MBE.
Thls award is part of the UK honours system and awarded in recognillon of 'sustained 8x¢&llence and
outstandlng contrlbullon to the communlty,.
It is credit to our inspirational leadership team, all of whom are full or part-time volunteers themselves,
and our wondèrful army of volunteer supporters. We were also dalight8d to receive an additional
Special COVID R8cognilion honour for our work during the COVID pandemic. Each volunt8&r was
proud to reGeive an individual Que8n's Award certlflcate and a Speclal Covid Recogni1Son
Certlllcat8, and thls numbar included some of our teenagers with Down syndrome and their older
siblings.
Aw
omm
nl
With the support of our volunteers and Events Team, we have organised sevaral fundraising
av8nts over the past academic year, including ihe Great South Run in October. The run lakes
place annually in Portsmoulh, and wa contlnue lo take advantage of its locallon to make it one
of our largest annual lundraiseis. Participanl numbers have not yet recovèred to pre-COVID
levels, but we had a larg8 team of entrants in all runs and remain th8 best represented regional
charily to taka part. Thls was a great PR opportunity to sprèad awarengss about the charity to
the wider communlly, and wg ra¢8ived some very poslllve feedback from the organlsers and
members of the publlc. It was wond8rful to S88 our gr88n army ol charity vests, and some of
our runners wero featured on the local news and radio.
In partlcular, we were thrllled wlth the number of under 18s who tumed out on the Saturday to
support us, includlng many of our children, as well as athletes from the SE Hants Speclal
Olympic Team who joined us for the sk for the fourth year running. We also had a huge team
of volunteers as usual who encouraged runners at various cheer points around the course..
We were very grateful to the Rapld Rellet Team who provided free hot food and refreshments
to hundreds of childran, famllles, runners and supporters on Saturday, and to the Great South
Run organl$ers who once agaln donated a free marquee for our famllles on Saturday.
Our annual Down Syndrome Awareness Week cg18brations were hald in March
accompanied by our social modia awareness campaign which was generously sponsor8d by
local solicitors Warner Goodman for the thirteenth consecutive year, which meant that we
wer8 able to reach a much widar audlence. As usual our c8lebratlons were well supported with
schools, hospitals, businesses and individuals holding awareness assemblies, 8V8nts or
fundraisers, and our 'Rock Your Socks. awareness campaign was widely supported.
Other key fundraisers included our annual HMS Warrlor 1860 Black.lie Dlnner and Auclion
in November and our T21 Sponsored Walk in October.
19

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
. POPT8MOVTrt
DfJW'IQ 55WDItOME
We have worked hard over the years to
nurture
strong links
with
our
community, and support from the
business ¢ommunity has conlinued to
be good, allhough we ar8 Still feeling
the impact of COVID and the ¢ost-of-
living crisis on donations. and many
businesses, including supermarket5,
have withdrawn thelr usual charity
communlty schemes whlch have been
of benefit to us in prevlous years.
We have enjoyed charity partnershlps wllh The Royal Sussex Lodge who have been
excallent partners raising funds for the charity, a5 well as continuing our long-term partnership
with Warner Goodman Solicitors. who gen8rously sponsored our Down Syndrome Week
Awareness celebrations lor the 13 ¢onsecutiva yaar, as well as actively supportlng our
fundralslng events. Percusslon Play continue to be generous sponsors ofourTeenage Soclal
Outings. We are dellghted to more recently partner again with the Man V Fat Havant team,
and look foNard to worklng wSth hem again thls year.
Communlty and busin8ss donations have also included donatlons from Portchest8r
Pélanque and Hayllng Legends who hav8 once again generously held fundraisers in aid of
ourcharity, th8 Wlckens Famlly Foundation, TK Maxx, Joseph Smith SMS Developments,
Emsworth Loves Local. SouthseaTennls Club who organlzed a 24 hours tennig-a.thon,
and Evelyn Partners.
Local buslnesses have contlnued to otfer the charity their axpertise and support PTO bono for
whlch we are very grateful. includlng our web designers Deslgn Image who provide invaluable
support In all areas, Jon and the team at Progresslon Signage who have donated free
slgnage and PFI materials to us for many ygars, the Taylor famlly who donate a wlndow
cleaning se)wice, and Ihe Free Kicks Foundatlon who offer our members excitlng football
club mascot experlences, and the Dlsabled Sallors Assoclatlon for providlng incredlble
saillng opportunltles.
Our parents and famllies r8maln supportive. Many took part in the Great South Run or
encouraged friends and colleagu8S to do so. Sorne also held fundralslng evgnts on behaw of
the charity, have taken part in sponsored challeng8S to raise funds or approached thelr
employers to support us including parent Max Oxlade who cotrpleted an intrepid skydive from
15,000 ft.
A blg ihank you to all our donors, fundraisers and volunt88rs for your valued support.
Improvlng Representaiion In the Medla
The charily actlvely promotes Incluslon and equalliy, and we believ8 that it is essential for
individuals with Down syndrome and learning disabllitles to be offered equal opportunities lo

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
be fairly represented & included in the media world. We have continued our work with BAFTA
on th8ir diversity board to advise about inclusion in the TV and film industry. We were proud
to have co-commissioned a review into inclusion policy, culminating in Incluslon and
diversity guidellnes which were disseminated throughout the industry, leading to visibly
improved opportunities and better represenlation for people with DS and other disabled talent.
Over the past two years we worked with our Contacts to ensure the refurbished BAFfA
building was fully accessible for all. Tre report promotes a more inclusive media community,
with increased opportunities for individuals with LD. an exciting prospect, and we ar& proud to
hava ancouraged and contribut8d to thls.
Already as a dlrect result of our work and recommendations, the first actor with Down
syndrome, Tommy Jessop, was invitgd onto th& BAFTA elevate programme, and is lh& first
votlng member of BAFTA and also the first to present an award at the BAFTAS. We were
delighted when Tornmy was selected for the programme. and his first meeting was with none
other than Martin Scorses81 We look forward lo seeing much more of Tommy on our screens.
Last year, we were delighted to see TV Presenter George Websler wln hls well-deseNed
BAFTA- the flrsl actor with Down syndrome to receive the award.
Our successful partnershlp with tha producers of tha mulll-award-wlnning fllm, My Feral Heart
cr8at8d a wondertul opportunity lo raise awarenass, aspecially when our leading actor Steven
Brandon {who somè of you would havè mel al our special chariiy sGreening a few yéars ago)
beat fellow nominees including Michael Fassbend8r, Eddie Radmayne, Ewan McGregor and
Dan181 Radcllffe amongst othgrs, to wln Best Aclor In tha Natlonal Fllm Awards.
Following on from thls, we have jolned forces with SweetDoh Productlons to produce a short
filrn, Innocence, which ollers leading roles to aclors with Down syndrome and LD and is
currently being submitted lo film festivals. To dale the film has won The London Llft Off Film
Festival Award, and awards at the Internallonal Llft Off Fllm Awards, along with the Don
Qulxote Award at the Krakow Fllm Fesllval. As a result. we are currently produclng a
featurelength script for the film, which we hope wlll be turned into a feature length fllm,
providing further opportunities for Indivlduals wlth DS lo have leadlng roles in film.
Stage 21 Actlng Masterclass
Stage 21, a distlngulshed nallonal acllng
masterclass. was 8Stablished by our partners at
Sweetdoh Productions in collaboration with
Portsmouth DSA and funded by the Arts Councll.
Over the past three years, this initlatlve has provided
valuable training and experience, with recent
workshops conducted in Manch8St8r, London and at
Portsmouth's prostigious Klngs Theatr￿whICh
generously donated its facilities for thre@ days.
Specifically designed for young adults with Down
syndrome, Stage 21 offers a unique opportunily Io
train with seasoned professionals from the acting
industry. We are pleas8d that two of our program's
alumni havo earnod BAFTA awards for thoir work.
21

Portsmouth Down Syndrorne Association
PR
SU￿SSful PR Is Important as it not only helps parents to know where they can find support
and ralsès awareness about Down syndrome and the charity, but also plays a key role in
fundraising. We continue to work hard to raise the profile of the charity in the local area. We
have established good communications with parents, schools and loGal organisalions and
Continue to build a strong network of support.
We have had several articles printed in the local news and local frae papers abDUt our events
and seNices, and our Vice-chair Ken and Chair Rachael have also taken part in numerous
local and national radio and TV interviaws over the year, along with sorne of our staff and
members.
We also think Ihal il is important to share our knowledge and expertlse wlth others. and we
were delightad whan wg were approach@d by the County Inspector for Inclusion atler meeting
with us at our centre and attending our training sessions, and invited to contribute On￿ agaln
to Hampshlre County Council's HIAS SEND Publicalion which is circulated lo all schools
and education professionals Sn the county. Rachael's article 'Key Stratagies for Successful
Inclusion, was circulated to all schools In the county which was sure to hava raised the profil&
of the charlty. Another of Rachael's artlcles promoting successful inclusion was featured in
the Times Educational Publlcallon, wlth a huge nallonal audlenca of 8ducatlonal
prof8ssionals.
The charlty Facebook pagg 118.7 followers), Twltter page 12,697 followers), Inslagrarn
11,552 lollowersl and our r)ew Llnkedln pages1503 followers) have CDntlnued to hèlp improve
communlcalion wilh our members, and also acted as a medlurn where buslnésses, members
of the communliy and our supporter's familles can flnd out more about what we do.
We enjoy8d our flrst 'vlral' post on Fac8book this academlc year, which featured member
Allle as tha Portsmouth Football Club Mascot courtesy of the Free Klcks Foundatlon, which
galned an extraordinary 28K likas and nearly 500 shar8S.
The Members, only Facebook Page is regularly utiliz8d where members can share news
and photos In a closed selling. 11 Is wondertul to see lamilles sharing news about their child'8
ach18vements for our'Proud Parent Moment IPPMI, on 2111 of each month.
We actively encourage our members to support our Social media pages. as 11 Is vitally
Important to our fundraising gllorts that w@ hav8 a strong and recognlzable pres&nc8 In th8
local community.
Our Interacllv8 websit8, deslgned by graphic website deslgners Deslgn Imoge Llmlled, has
Gonlinu8d to be popular with both famili&s and the cornmunity. and lists all our dat8s for events
as well as showcaslng our latest news,
We think It Is very Important to Ilalse regularly to highlight issues surrounding DS with thosè in
positions of authority, our local counclllors and MPS. These Issues havo included seNic8
provision, screening and abus&. and we were cautiously pleased to see that our hard work
lobbylng the Secretary ol Statg for Transport was pr8viously rewarded wllh a revlew and
Ljpdate of the 8llglbillty crlt8ria for tha Blue Badge for individuals with DS.
Local councillors receive a regu lar newsletter updating them with the work ol the charity, and
raising any issues our membèrs are expariencing like acc8SS to SALT or Blue Badge eliglbilily.
22

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
Some of these individuals take part in our Down Syndrome Awarengss Weak celebrations,
and you might even she a few rocking their socks with us, or joining our Great South Run
team.
We have regularly attended think tanks and also visited the Houses of Parliament and 10
Downing Street where we have had the opportunity to discuss with MPS, Ministers, Civil
servants and policy rnakers the work we do and its Importan￿.
There are still great advancements to be made in this area to help our childran access the
support they need to thrive and to access the opportunities they dgserve. We would
encourage all our members to have an a￿1ve voice. stay in regular contact with their MPS and
seNlce provlders and support our awareness campalgns.
Drivlng Change al a National (and International) Levell
The Nallonal Down Syndrome Poll¢y Group
In 2021, we were delighted to join forces with other key charity leaders to eslabllsh the Down
Syndrom8 Policy Group. Our charity's chair and vice-chair, Ken and Rachael. are two of the
15 founding officèrs who work towards supporting paople with Down syndrome to have a say
in the formation of policy in matters that impact their lives. The group Is supported by leading
national organisalions such as Mencap, as well as over 125 Down Syndrome organlsatSons,
We believe il is vary important that people with Down syndrome are at the heart of any pollclas
about people with Down syndrome. The NDSPG Includes officers, ambassadors, patrons and
advocates with Down syndrome, and we are very proud that a number of our teanagers hav8
played an activo role.
The Down Syndrome Act 2022
The fSrst undertaklng ol the Natlonal Down Syndrome Pollcy Group {NDSPG) was to lobby
for a Down Syndrome Act to Improve opportunlties, s8rvicas and outcomes lor people wllh
Down syndrome. They were delighted when Dr Llam Fox MP sponsored the Down Syndrome
Blll. Racha81 and K8n play@d a key rol& writing the initial draft of the Down Syndrome Blll, and
working closely with Liam, ministers, civil servants and ambassadors with Down syndromè at
Parliament. After a huge campaign which was well supported by PDSA members and th8
wider community, including rallies outside Parliament, the Bill finally compleleLI its journey to
become a historic Down Syndrome Act, and England is the first country in the world to have
passed such leglslation.
It was thought that a Down Syndrorne Act was an impDssib18 feat. but we are very proud to
have championed this, and il demonstrates whal can be achieved when our community
joinstogelher with one voice. We now continue to work with the NDSPG, parliamenl and our
community to help influence the creation of the Down Syndrome Act Guidance. the flrst draft
guidelines being 8XPeCted lat@r this year in th8 ar8as of..
23

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
Community and wellbeing
Education
Employment
Healthcare and Research
Maternity Care
We previously organised 3 large-scale
guidance consultation meetings fc)r people
* with Down syndrome and their families in
Westminster
and Leeds for which
parllamentary clvil servants join us lo haar
views on education, healthcare, social care
and employmant. Again, it was Wonderful thatteenagersfrom Portsmouth DSA and our patron
Tommy Jessop was able to join us.
To further complernentourcelebrallons, we organised a meellng at 10 Downlng Stre81, where
ambassadors with Down syndrome met with Marla Caultleld the Under Secretary ol Slatg
for the Department of Health and Social Care to highlight th8 daily Issugs they face and to
discuss the crealiDn of the Down Syndrom8 Act GuidanGe. It was a very successful meeting,
and a great opportunity for our ambassadors who were a credit lo our community. The
rneetlngs also paved the way for further disGussions.
Downlng Street Hosts Portsmouth DSA and the NDSPG
Members of Portsmouth Down Syndrome AssociaiSon experienced a memorable pre-
election highlight with an invitation to visit No.10 Downing Street. In a special gathering. ten
young representatives from the charlty were warmly welGomed by Mrs. Murty, th8 wife of th8
former Prlme Minister R1shi Sunak.
Mrs Murty accompanied the group on an excluslve tour ol Downing Street, followed by lunch.
24

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
Charity Ambassador Max Ross sald, "Mrs Murty was very klnd and wt us all at ease. She
told us to call her 'Ash' and she shared personal storles about herself, includlng her favourlte
colour Is plnk. and that she and her daughters love Taylor Swlft's muslc. Then she asked us
to tell her all about ourselves."
Kan and Rachael wllh th8 National Down Syndrome Pollcy Group also helpèd organlse a
large re¢eptlon the prevlous day at Downing Street lor over 150 individuals with Down
syndrome from across the UK lo celebrate the enactment of the Down Syndrome Act 2022
and lo raise awareness about Ihe condition. Guests Included actor Tommy Jes8op {Llne of
Duty) and C8BC Presenter George Websler. It is thought to have been the largesl
gatherlng of people wlth Down syndrome In the buildlng's hlstory.
Three individuals with Down syndrom8, Includlng Portsmoulh DSA Ambassador Max were
Inl8rview8d by Downlng Slreel Press and took part In an Sconlc photo shoot to mark this
landmark occasion. The artiGles were then prominently featured on both the former Prlme
Minister Rishi Sunak Ond Mr8 Murty's Soclal medla pages.
25

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
Reflecting on the week's events Rachael said, 'We were honoured to be invited to No10
once again. We were able to speak with rninisters and key policy makers about the daily
challenges people with Down syndrome and their families face. The week was a huge
SUCC8ss, and we certainly achieved our aim lo raise awareness about Down syndrome at thè
highesl national level..
ICB Symposlum
The Down Syndrome Aci 2022 established a unique position within the Integraled Care
Board IICB>. specifica51y dedicated to Down syndrome. This role is intended lo provide more
tailored and efficient healthcare services lor individuals with Down syndrome, enhancing
coordination in addressing their specific needs. The focu5eLI approaGh aims lo improve the
quallty of care. health outcomes, and the responslveness of support services to better maet
indivldual requlrements.
Rachael and Ken wilh Ihe Nalional Down Syndrome Policy Group, organisod a national ICB
symposium for Down Syndrom8 leads, hosted in the Departmeni of Health and Social Care,
London to examing the new rol8, highlight existing good practice and encourage networklng.
Amongst othars, we were delighted ID feature Portsmouth DSA'S patron professor Sue
Buckley, and w8lcom8d sp8eches from Minister Maria Caulfield and the Secretary of Slale,
Victorla Atklns.
Over half of England's ICBS were represented. and we recelved excellenl feedback from
delegates with multlple reque51s for a follow-up symposium.
School Census Succe8$1
Portsmouth DSA has lobbiad ovgr past years for th8 incluslon of Down syndrorne as a
separata category In the annual school census alongside other condltions such as autlsm
and hearing impairment. Worklng wlth the National Down Syndrome Policy Group, and
supported by the majority ol DS organisations, we garnered the support of Education SeGrelary
Glllian Keegan, and Ken and Rachael presented the case to the Star Chamber lor approval.
We were delighted when they consented lo our request, and from January 2025, Down
syndrome wlll be included the school census, meanlng that for the very flrst tlrne, the number
of pupils with Down syndrorne in schools and the locatlon ol these pupils wlll be known. W&
wi11 no longer n88d lo estlmate th858 figures.
Amongst other beneflls, thls could enable local aulhorltles to plan and evaluate for more
targel8d speciallst provlslon, facllltate the 8flectlve dlssemination of Down syndrome specific
education guidellnes, InteNenllons, and resourtss, and help predict and inform future staff
and training need5 regionally and natlonally. 11 will help identify trends. We will be able to
seamlessly monitor the transition lo and from mainstream or special settings, compare
mainstream inclusion figures in different regions. and identify regions that rely too h8avily on
an 'automatlc' speclal school pathway. Flgures can be used lo support research. tribunals and
to argue for more speclallst support and Iralnlng. It wlll most certalnly lead lo Increased
accountability-
Meaningful data is fundamentally important and has thè great potential to improve experiences
and outcomes, but as wlth all informallon. Its true value lies In its 6ffaclivo utilization. As
communlty. we all now have a collectlve responslblllly to ensure thls new data Is used
to our advantage.
26

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
The All-Party Parllamentary Group on Down Syndrome
The National Down Syndrome Policy Group seNes as secretariat for the All-Party
Parllamenlary Group on Down Syndrome (APPGDS) and played a pivotal role in ils re-
establishment alter a hiatus of Mielve years. Chaired by the Right Honorable Sir Liam Fox,
the APPGDS aims to campaign for changes to government policy to irnprove the lives ol
people with Down syndrome. and it aims lo raise awareness of issues affecting people with
Down syndrome and the prospects for improving life outcomes.
The support from Sir Liam Fox and the APPGDS has b88n Crucial in facilitating the
formulation. adoption, and axeculion of relevani policies. We were d81ighted when APPGDS
members unanimously supported the Down Syndrome Bill on ils journey through parliament
to enactment. Thelr sustained support has also been essential in rnalntalnlng the progress
ot the Down Syndrome Guldance and bolstering our successful proposal to include Down
syndrome as a distinct category in the national annual school census.
Fln
nc
The annual accounts are compiled by Jam8s Todd & Co.
Trustees ar8 commllted to raising the total 8Stlmated funds r8qulr8d to fund services lor a year
In advance, and these funds will now be bullt upon in preparallon for the forthcomlng year. We
are exlremely grateful to Leonard Gold for thelr continugd support. W8 are also grat8ful lo
Helen Nelson our charity bookkeeper. who rneticulously maintains the ¢harily'S books.
There has been a rlse In membershlp and members accesslng seNlc8s over the past year, It
has become more evldenl that members livlng further afield are much less actlve and engaged
as distance is an issue. Th8 level of engagement of general members has stlll not recovered
to pre-COVID rates.
We have membershlp criterla In place. and as a charfty managed largely by volunteers. our
familles are regularly remlnded that in Ilne with our crflerla there Is an expectation that families
are actlve and support the charlty In any way they are able, Very few rnembors leave and
there contlnues to be a hlgh demand for our servSces. Thls, combined wlth a marked increase
In running cosls and rasources, means that golng forwards, numbers and associated costs
are almost ￿rtaIn to Increase steadlly and are unlikèly to decline.
Trustoos remain mindful that fundralslng Is a key Issue especially Gonsidering the cost-of-
living crisis, as the luture ol the charlty Is wholly dependent on successful fundralslng
by its members. Thère have been steep Increases in areas of operalional costs, and our
contracted practition8rs have been forced to increase Iheir fe8s by 20Y.. We are aware that
more of our children are now reaching senior school age, and Ihese ar8 th8 costligst of aur
services. We also need to consider the increased operational costs of our new centra.
We support families from the point Df diagnosis, and our children from birth through to the end
of school and further education, and we estimat@ that the cost for very basic services (baby
support group, early d8velopment group, communication group and nurserylschool advisory
Servi￿ is approximately £26.000 upwards per child (not including assessments, reports,
training for parents and related professlonals. trouble-shootlng seNice. training for
27

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
practilloners and slaff. bespoke training for schDols, SRE training, resources. social events,
drama so the real cost is probably£30,000+). We have 132 families lover500 members), and
our aim is lo support them from the point of diagnosis and throughout childhood.
We also provide support and advice tor non-member families, schools and organisations in
the Gommunity, and the wider community. We therefore need to continue to ensure there are
sufficient funds to meet this objeclive by increasing our reserves on an annual basis if posslble,
with a minimum of one year's running Costs in resarv8 at any one lim8.
The Year Ahead
Fundraising r8rnains a cruclal concern lo enable the contlnuatlon of our work. We Invlte the
entlr8 Portsmouth DSA community to support these vital efforts, ensuring our charily's
ongoing success.
After facing delays du8 to COVID-19 and subsequent backlogs, we are exclled to announce
the official opening ol our chaiity centre wlll take place In November. Over the next
year, one goal is to secure funding to complete the furnSshing of the centre, Including
updating older furnitur8 and s8ating, but funding service provision will lake priorily SO this
may be a rnorg long-term oblecllve.
We have a very small staff team. Ideally, wè need at least two new staff members to
better manag@ the Increased admlnistralive dutles and support the axpandlng sarvices for
schools, How8V8r, Ihls Is once agaln contingent upon the avallablllly Ot funds.
Over the forthcomlng yaar, wa are commltt6d to malntalnlng and strengthenlng our
collaborallons wllh famllles, local communltle$, organlsatSons, and government
agencies. We remain dedlcaled to provSdiro a broad spaclrum ol speclalist saNices and to
enhanclng opportunities and national pollGies wlth the alm of posllively Impacting and
transforming the Ilves of people with Down syndrome. helping thern clavelop tha cruclal skllls
neoded to become Integral and valued members ol thelr communitles.
We look fO￿ard to implementing two new excltlng Inltlatives in the Autumn lemi. We are
dellghled to be establishlng Muslc Man Project Portsmouth which will offer music tuition and
P8rformance opportunities which are not always accesslble to peopla wlth a learning disability.
We also hope to Introduce our 'Frlends ol Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association,
Inltlatlve whlch we hope wlll attract much needed support for the charity In the fomi of
volunteers and charity partnershlps.
I would lik8 to extend my heartlelt thanks to the Portsmouth DSA Board ol Trustees,
our dedicaled volunleers, families, and supporters. Only with your invaluable support
wlll our charliy conllnue to Ihrlve.
28

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
This rèport was approved by the Board of Trustees
Signed by order of the Board ol Trustees
Rachael Ross MBE
Chalr, Portsmouth Down Syndrome Asso¢latlon's Board of Truslees
29

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
Independent Examlner's Report to the Trustees on the Unaudlted Flnanclal Statements
ot Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 set oul on pages twenty flve to
thirty.
Respectlve responslbllltles of trustees and examlner
The charity's Irustees are responsible for the preparatlon of the accounts. The chartty's
trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under Section 144(21 of the
Charlties Act 2011 (the 2011 Act)) and that an independent examlnatlon is required.
It is my responsibility lo:
examine Ihe accounts under Seclion 145 of the 2011 Acl
to follow Ihe procedures lald down In the General Directions glv8n by the Charlty
Commisslon (under Sectlon 145(5)Ib) of the 2011 Acl). and
to state whether partlcular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of tha independent examiner's rnport
My examination was carried out in accordan￿ with the General Dlrectlons given by the Charlty
Commission. An examination includes a review ol the accounting records kept by the charlly
and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also Includes consideration
of any unusual items or disolosures in the accounts, and seeking explanatlons from you as
Irustees concernlng any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the
evldence that would be requlrgd In an audit, and consequently no oplnlon is given as to
whether the accounts present a 'tru8 aThJ falr vlew ' and the report Is Ilmit8d to thos8 matters
set out In the statemenls below.
Independent examlner's stalemant
In connectlon wlth my examinatlon, no rnatter has come to my attentlon:
11) whlch glves me reasonable cause to belleve that, In any matarial respecl, the requlrem8nts
to keep accounling records In accordance with Sectlon 130 of the 2011 Act. and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accountlng records and to comply
with thg accountlng requlremenls of the 2011 Act
have not been met. or
(21 to which. in my opinion, attentlon should be drawn In order to enable a proper understandlng
of the accounts to be reached.
rs J Watts FCCA. ACA
James Todd and Co.
24 Landport Terrace
Portsmouth
Hampshlre
P012RG
Date: 31 &Q)cLi£
so

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March
2024
2024
2024
Unre5trirted Restrirted
Total
2024
Total
2023
Notes
Incoming Resources
Donations and grants
Investment Income
218,407
2,070
30,987
249,394 196,007
2,070
1,279
Total Incorne
220,477
30,987
251,464 197,286
Re50urce5 Expended
Ralsing Fund5
Charitable Activlties
Support Costs
Total Expendlture
7,553
209,142
165,423
382,118
7,553
8,435
219,520 166,360
168,600 105,335
395,673 280,130
10,378
3,177
13,555
Net Income I (Expendlturel
1161,6411
17,432 1144,2091 182,8441
Net movement in funds
1161,641}
17,432 1144,2091 182,8441
Reconciliatlon of funds
Total funds brou8ht forward
Total funds carrled forward
545,472
383,831
545,472 628,316
401,263 545.472
17,432
31

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024
Notes
Total
2024
Total
2023
Fixed assets
13
221,271
307,666
Current assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
io
19,142
161,666
48,232
191,492
Total current assets
180,808
239,724
Credltors
Amounts falling due within one year
li
18161
1,918
Net current assets
401,263
545,472
Funds of the charlty
Unrestrlcted funds
Restrlcted funds
383,831
17,432
545,472
401,263
545.472
Approved by the trustees on
IIIDla
and signed on behalf of all trustees
Mrs R Ross . TRUSTEE
Mrs H Nelson-TRUSTEE
32

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March
2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basls ol preparation ol accounts
The financial slalements have been prepared in accordance with the Slalemenl ol Recommended
Practice.. Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accour)ts in accordance with the
Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic ol Ireland {FRS1021 issued on 16 July
2014 and wlh the Cha(ities Act 2011.
The charlty eonstllules a publlc beneflt &nllly as defined by FRS102.
DonatSons
Donations and sponsorships are recognised In the accounts when the charlty becomes entitled to the
resources and the monatary value can be measured with sullicienl r8liability.
Government grants
Grant incom8 received under th8 Government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is recognised In
the Statement of FInar￿la1 Aolivilies as income in the pgriod lo whiGh the undoilying furloughed stall
costs relate.
Exp9ndlture
Resources exp8nded are recognised whère il is more than likely than not that there Is a legal or
consiruclive obligation commltting tha charity lo pay out r8sourcgs and the amounts of the obligatlon
can be measured with reasonable certainly.
Management and admlnlstratlon costs
Only those costs specifically identified as tor the adminlstratlon and management of the charity are
Included in the accounts as such costs,
Tanglble flxed assels
Tangible fixed assgls are Inftlally m$asured al etssl and subs$qu•nlly m8a$ur8d al cosl or valualSon, net of
depreciation and any impairment losses.
Dgpreclalkjn Is recognised $0 a$ to wri10 oll th8 cost tsr Valua￿on of assets lèss Ihelr resldLtal values over
Ih&ir useful lives on Ihg lollowlng ba888-
Leasehold improvements
Flxlures aThJ Flttlng8
over the term ol the exlsling lease, wh5ch cea8e8 In October 2026.
Stra￿h1 Ilne over 5 years.
The galn or loss arlslnu on Ihg dlsposal ol an asset Ss delermlned as the dlllereroe belween sale proceeds
and th6 ttarryi￿ valu8 of th8 asset and is credited or charged lo profil or loss.
2. EXPENDITURE IN FURTHERANCE OFTHE OBJECTS OF THE CHARITY
All oxpens8s paid In lurth8rance of the objects ol the charity are donations.
3. DONATIONS AND OTHER INCOME
2024
2023
Donations and other income
Grants
217,156
32,238
154,791
41,216
249,394
196,007
33

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
4. RAISING FUNDS
2024
2023
Great South Run
7,553
8,435
7,553
8,435
5. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
2023
School S8rvic8s
Comrnunicalion Groups
Early D8velopmenl Groups
Stall Costs
Social Events & Entertainment
General Expenses
Nursery Outreach Seryice
74,455
7,558
14,260
81,022
26,262
9,434
6.529
94.423
8,113
9,747
28,490
19,373
2,226
3,988
219 $20
166 380
6. SUPPORT COSTS
Accountancy
8ookkeeplng
Cleaning
Insurance
Bank charges
IT Costs
Service charg8S
Ralos
Postage
Slationory & Prtnllng
General
Vgnue Hlro
Tralning
Legal costs
R8pair8 & R8n8wals
Tg1gphon8
D8pr&cialion
828
415
1,003
1,664
118
2,164
33,654
4,254
287
679
815
411
897
111
704
40.923
304
363
1,914
18.970
780
15,040
435
2.478
20.983
2,580
6,646
915
168 600
105335
8. TRUSTEES REMUNERATION
There were no trustees, remuneration or benefits for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor lor the year
ended 31 March 2023.
34

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
9. STAFF COSTS
Wages and Salaries
SOCI￿ Security Costs
Pension Costs
96.435
2.756
1.861
54.469
957
Total wages Costs
101.052
No employ88 8arned £60,000 pa or mor8.
The average number of employees during the year was 6, this consists ol two full-lime
employees and four part-time employees.
10. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade debtors
Prepayments
300
18.842
19,142
11. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Accruals
816
816
1.918
12. ACCOUNTANCY FEE ANALYSIS
Accountancy
Indep8nd8nl Examlnallon
270
558
270
545
828
815
13. TANGIBLE ASSETS
Leasehold
Improvements
Fixtur8S
& Fittings
TOTAL
Cost
Cost brought foNard
Additions
Disposals
Cost carried forward
Depreciaiion
Depreciation brought foNard
Depreciation charge
Depreciallon carried forward
318,282
16,589
334,871
318,282
16,589
334.871
26.855
350
3,321
3.671
27,205
86,395
113,600
109,929
Nel book value brought lotward
Nel book vatue carried forNard
291,427
208.353
16,239
12,918
307.666
221.271
35

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association
14. ANAL YSIS OF ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
2024
2024
Uniestrlcted Restrlcted
Total
2024
Total
2023
Fixed As58ls
Current Assets
Current Liabilities
221,271
180,808
816
401,263
221,271
180,808
816
401,263
307,666
239,724
545 472
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
At 1.4.23
min
source8
At 31.3.24
Unrestricted Funds
General Fund
545,472
220,477
{382,1181
383,831
Restricted Funds
Miscellaneous Funds
30,987
113,5551
17,432
251464
OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS
2024
2023
Wlthln one year
Between two and five years
In over five years
13,750
27,500
13,750
13,750
41,250
36