2026-03-31-accounts

Unaudited Financial Statements Year ended 31 March 2026

James Todd and Co Limited

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association

Contents

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Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2026 36
Balance Sheet as 31 March 2026 . 37
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2026 38
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Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2026

The Chairperson submits Annual Report and the Statement of Financial Activities and Balance Sheet for the year ended 31 March 2026 on behalf of the Board of Trustees.

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association

Also known by the working name Portsmouth DSA Formerly known as Portsmouth Down Syndrome Support Group and Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association (Footprints)

Registered Charity Number: 1147355

Registered Address: Unit 1, Aspen House, Airport Service Road, Portsmouth, Hants PO3 5RA

Board of Trustees:

Rachael Ross OBE - Chair and CEO (Director of Fundraising & Education/Training, School Advisory Service and Training Director, Post 11 Services Manager, Community Liaison Business, Health, Education, Music Man Project, Portsmouth, National Down Syndrome Policy Group, All-Party Parliamentary Group, and Parliamentary Liaison)

Ken Ross OBE Vice-chair and Treasurer (Development Officer, Fundraising, Community Liaison, National Down Syndrome Policy Group, All-Party Parliamentary Group, and Parliamentary Liaison)

Alice Osborne Charity Secretary (Charity Centre Manager, Pre-school and Primary Services Manager, Manager for Community Health, Training, Family Liaison Team& Membership)

Simon Brock Trustee Gregory Jones KC Trustee Spencer Pitfield OBE Trustee

Bank: HSBC, Commercial Road, Portsmouth, PO1 1EP

Independent Examiner: Mrs J D Watts FCCA, ACA

James Todd & Co, Furzehall Farm, 110 Wickham Road, Fareham, Hampshire, PO16 7JH

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Patrons: We are very honoured to have the support of some wonderful individuals who lend their support to the charity and help us raise awareness:

• Professor Sue Buckley OBE - world-leading expert in education and development for children with Down syndrome, and renowned Chief Scientist of Down Syndrome Education International

• Emma Barton (Actor)

• Scott Heffield (Adventurer and TV Presenter)

• Tim Treloar (Adventurer and TV Presenter)

• Liam Bairstow (Actor)

• Tommy Jessop (Actor and Advocate)

Objects

governing document:

• To offer support and social activities for families

• To preserve and protect the health and welfare of children with Down syndrome

• To advance the education of the medical profession and the public when appropriate about childhood disability

Introduction

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association is an award-winning charity, and we are very proud to have been awarded Royal Approval and Freedom of the City of Portsmouth for our exemplary work .

Established in May 2009, Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association is committed to improving the lives of individuals across the South of England and beyond. We know our young people can succeed when given the opportunity with the right support, and we believe they deserve the same opportunities and right to be included and experience success as their peers.

Portsmouth DSA provides a range of some of the best specialist services and activities in the UK. Our programme is the most fully comprehensive and progressive service package supporting both the family and the child from the point of diagnosis to young adulthood. Our direct interventions in all areas of development, education and training, assist families and professionals in providing tangible and effective support to improve outcomes. We teach children the skills they need to reach their developmental milestones, succeed at school, and become valued and productive members of their communities. Services are offered free of charge, eliminating financial barriers to ensure broad and equitable access.

Portsmouth DSA works hard to raise awareness, champion inclusion, and celebrate diversity in all areas. Life expectancy has dramatically increased for people with Down syndrome. However, awareness in the community, health and education provision, employment opportunities and regulations have not kept pace with this progress, largely due to lack of representation and interest at governmental levels. As a result, individuals continue to

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experience inadequate provision and outcomes, discrimination and exclusion on daily basis. We strive to readdress the balance and promote equality for all by equipping individuals & families with the knowledge & skills they need to succeed in all areas and improve outcomes by raising awareness in all sectors of society & sharing the skills and knowledge required to enable meaningful inclusion. When children with Down syndrome are given opportunities to participate and be fully included, the whole community benefits.

Our activities continue to be very well received by parents and professionals, our service capacity is full, and we continue to operate waiting lists due to high demand for the school service. Membership has continued to steadily rise, but with careful planning we have been number of prospective parents with a diagnosis making contact. As a first point of contact new families have been put in touch with our excellent Family Liaison Team who always ensure a warm welcome.

Governing Document: Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association is governed by a constitution adopted on 16[th] 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 finances. There are currently six dedicated and experienced trustees on the Board, three of whom have a child with Down syndrome.

The Chair of the Board and charity co-founder Rachael Ross OBE, previously served on the Board of Trustees for Down Syndrome Education International (DSEI) for over five years, as well as on education boards. Rachael has experience of governance, fundraising, and issues concerning Down syndrome at a local and national level. As a qualified English, Media, Geography, Sport and Drama teacher with specialism in , and parent of a child with Down leading authors and helped to raise the profile of Down syndrome across the UK. Her education and awareness articles have also been featured in national and regional education publications such as the Times Educational

Supplement.

Rachael is a Founding Officer and Trustee of the National Down Syndrome Policy Group (NDSPG), where she played a key role, with fellow trustee Ken, drafting the Down Syndrome Bill, which led to the landmark Down Syndrome Act 2022. The NDSPG also serves as Secretariat to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Down Syndrome, and both Ken and

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Accessibility and Inclusion Patron, a position she shares with Ken. Together, they have been instrumental in advancing authentic representation and access for disabled talent in the film and television industry.

In recognition of her exceptional and sustained contributions to education, inclusion and advocacy for people with Down syndrome, Rachael has received national honours and Award (2018) presented by the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, an MBE (2019) from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for Services to Education and Down Syndrome. She was honoured during recognised as one of 70 exemplary charity leaders for her exceptional efforts during the pandemic, additionally receiving a Special Recognition award from Her Majesty, Queen

Within Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association, Rachael plays a highly active and hands-on -to-day operations, strategic development and long-term growth. Her responsibilities also include serving as Director of Educational Services and Director of Fundraising. She coordinates teenage social activity programmes -ranging services and activities.

-Chairperson Ken Ross OBE has worked as an entrepreneur predominantly in the real estate, film and charity sectors. He is a Founding Trustee for the National Down Syndrome Policy Group acting as Secretariat to the AllAccessibility and Inclusion Patron. Ken is also the Director and Chair of the Southeast Hants Special Olympic Team and also sits on the Special Olympics National Steering Group. Ken has significant experience in working with national bodies to provide solutions within his areas of expertise with a particular focus on learning disability inclusion within the Arts and real estate sectors, Ken has been honoured by HM the Queen, with a Platinum Champions Award and was selected as one of the 70 exemplary charity leaders in the UK. We were delighted when Ken was 2024, and made an OBE for ervices to Education, Charity and Down Syndrome .

Trustee Alice Osborne is a qualified social worker with over 19 years of experience in the field of disability holding a master's degree in the Applied Psychology of Intellectual Disability. She became a member of Portsmouth DSA nine years ago following the birth of her son, Ted. After several years as an active volunteer, Alice took on the part-time paid role of Charity Manager, while continuing to generously contribute many additional hours on a voluntary basis.

We were delighted to welcome Alice to the Board of Trustees two years ago in a voluntary capacity, as permitted by our charity constitution. Her appointment has strengthened the connection between staff, families and trustees, providing valuable insight, continuity, and a direct link to day-tocontinue to enhance the strategic direction and effectiveness of the charity.

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In her ongoing staff role, Alice manages our membership services, welcomes new families, and leads our Community Liaison Team, with a particular focus on educating and training how professionals support new families from the point of diagnosis and with her knowledge, passion, and leadership, we have been able to grow our community network and launch a series of new initiatives aimed at improving maternity outcomes for families and individuals with Down syndrome. Alice additionally runs our Learn and Play Sensory and Makaton Sessions for pre-school members and delivers our Communication Groups for our members aged 4-11.

Trustee Simon Brock comes from a senior banking background and brings his expert knowledge of business and finance to the charity.

Trustee Greg Jones KC is a former patron of Portsmouth DSA until becoming a Trustee, and a long-time supporter of the charity. His roles include being a well-respected Alderman and previous Sheriff of the City of London, as well as serving as the Chancellor of the Diocese of Manchester.

Trustee Spencer Pitfield OBE supports strategic leadership and management, with expertise spanning politics, education, SMEs and the environmental sector. He was a councillor and magistrate for 16 years, and former CEO of Paces Charity, Sheffield. Spencer was awarded an OBE by Prince

Management and Administrative Team

We have a very small but hardworking and dedicated management and admin team, who work alongside Rachael, Ken and Alice.

At Portsmouth DSA we fully recognise the positive 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 part-time Events Manager. Stacey now plans and organises a wealth of exciting social opportunities and events for our members, supported by our charity volunteers.

Catherine Crook , co-founder of Portsmouth DSA and former trustee, has been actively volunteering for the charity since inception. She is also employed for five hours a week as the Social Communication Group Manager , ensuring our teenage communication sessions run seamlessly throughout the year.

Hannah Smith is employed in the role of Charity Administrator, helping to ensure our centre runs smoothly. Hannah has volunteered for the charity from early childhood and has always supported our Great South Run team, either participating herself or supporting our runners with DS and LD. She has also been an active volunteer at our Special Olympic sessions for many years, winning the Portsmouth Young Volunteer of the Year Award 2024. positive attitude, creative skills and adaptability have made her an invaluable asset to our team.

The Board and management team are actively supported by a dedicated group of charity practitioners, along with the Parent and Community Liaison Team, Events Team, and social media, and IT Team. In addition, we benefit from the ongoing support of member

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volunteers and individuals from the wider community, many of whom have generously given their time and expertise for several years. Each of these contributors plays a vital role in the

Safeguarding

We take the issue of safeguarding our children very seriously . Staff, trustees and service providers have been approved by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Using the DBS update service, these records are checked regularly for any changes by our elected Safeguarding Officer who has attended safeguarding training and shared relevant information with charity staff and volunteers. Key charity staff and volunteers also regularly renew their safeguarding and first aid training. We have a Safeguarding Policy with all relevant supporting documents. All trustees and relevant staff, practitioners and volunteers are familiar with this document and are aware of procedure should there be any concerns.

Awards and Acknowledgements

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association is proud to have received significant local and national recognition for its outstanding contribution to the community, reflecting the dedication and commitment of its staff, volunteers, trustees and supporters.

Most recently, the charity was honoured with the prestigious Civic Award (2026) from to the local community. Portsmouth DSA has also been granted the Freedom of the City (2021) -sacrifice shown during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2021, Portsmouth DSA received the highly prestigious for Voluntary Service - widely regarded as the equivalent of an MBE for charities and the highest award a voluntary organisation can receive in the UK. Awarded for life, the charity was selected from

The charity was further honoured by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Voluntary Service with the -19 Special Recognition Award 2021 , following nomination by the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire for its outstanding support to vulnerable families and the wider community throughout the pandemic.

oving opportunities, championing inclusion and delivering life-changing support for people with Down syndrome and their families.

Additional Awards and Acknowledgments

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association has received significant local and national recognition for its outstanding contribution to education, inclusion and community support. In 2020, the charity received the Shaping Portsmouth Education Award for its exceptional impact on education across the region. The previous year, Portsmouth DSA won the Persimmon Homes Best Educational UK Charity Award from more than 3,500 charities nationwide, securing a £100,000 grant towards its new centre. In 2023, the charity was also named runner-up in the prestigious National Diversity Awards

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Celebrating our Staff and Volunteers

Chair Rachael and former Trustee Lucy Field have both received the of Light Award from No.10 Downing Street in recognition of outstanding charity work. Rachael was awarded the Portsmouth Civic Award for Services to Education and Down Syndrome in 2018 and was made an MBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2019 for services to education and Down syndrome. Most recently, she received an Birthday Honours List

In 2024, Trustee Ken was awarded an OBE for ervices to Charity, Education and Down Syndrome Advocacy . In 2023, Rachael and Ken were named among 70 UK Platinum Jubilee Champions, receiving medals presented by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Charity Manager Alice was selected from thousands nationwide to become a Coronation Champion relay later that year. Administrator Hannah was named Young Volunteer of the Year 2024 for her sustained contribution to the charity sector, while volunteers Katherine Bull, Jenny Beard and Siva Ramaraj received Inspiring Portsmouth Volunteer certificates from Portsmouth City Council.

These awards reflect the dedication, compassion and impact of the Portsmouth DSA community, while also helping to raise awareness of Down syndrome, strengthen community

Official Charity Opening by HRH Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh

After extensive delays caused by the COVID pandemic, and subsequent delayed refurbishment works, we were delighted to finally relocate to our wonderful new centre in 2023. capability to expand our services, for the first time enabling us to employ an onsite administrator, further streamlining our operations. Our new centre features expansive office space, a large kitchen, dual therapy rooms enabling simultaneous sessions, an interactive sensory room, a spacious teenage room, and a generous family space where we can host events.

We were delighted when His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh officially opened our new centre, joined by distinguished guests including the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth and the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire. During his visit, The Duke toured the building and spent time meeting and speaking with our young people, families, staff, volunteers and supporters,

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I know that Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association has been at the leading edge for a lovely to meet you all and to get a glimpse of

HRH Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh

Activities

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association remains committed to improving the lives of children and young people with Down syndrome and their families by providing invaluable friendship, specialist support, training and educational services. The charity continues to support families, schools, education professionals and health practitioners across Hampshire and the surrounding counties of Dorset, West Sussex and Wiltshire, while also responding to growing requests for information and guidance from across the UK and internationally.

In the current economic climate, many families are finding it increasingly difficult to access specialist services as pressures on statutory provision continue to grow. As a result, the charity has experienced a significant increase in demand, particularly from families in areas where specialist support is limited or unavailable. There has also been a notable rise in enquiries from education, health and social care professionals seeking expert advice, training and practical support to better meet the needs of children and young people with Down syndrome.

Over the past few years, it has been encouraging to see an increase in the number of new support groups, alongside the expansion of services provided by established organisations. Many of these groups offer online resources and virtual support, which can be valuable when direct assistance is unavailable. However, families should be reminded that, while remote support has its place, nothing is more effective than personalised, face-to-face support tailored to individual needs when it comes to achieving the best possible outcomes.

Unlike other organisations, we do not operate within set boundaries and have never turned a family away. However, we recognise that distance can present real challenges to engagement. To help address this, we continue to signpost families to their nearest support group, where available, so they can make informed choices, and we also signpost them towards other relevant services.

Many of these groups have based their support on the Portsmouth DSA services model and have asked for advice from our trustees and practitioners, and some have attended our sessions and training for guidance. We are proud to be able to share our skills, experience and knowledge in such a positive way, and we actively encourage all support groups to do the same.

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Our social activities include coffee and information mornings, social events, information sessions, popular seasonal parties, our Buddy Initiative, Music Man Project Portsmouth sessions and the national Stage 21 Acting Programme.

We also provide a wide range of specialist health, social and educational services to families and partner organisations across Portsmouth, Hampshire, surrounding counties and beyond. These include our New Family Support Service, Baby Support Groups, Early Development Groups, Sensory and Makaton Learn and Play, Makaton Signing for adults, Communication and Social Communication Groups, the Teenage Buddy Initiative, and an extensive Education Advisory Service for schools, nurseries and colleges. Our progressive, lifelong support begins from the point of diagnosis, increasingly prenatally, educational journey, supporting both the individual and their family.

Accompanying these services are specialist training packages, many of which are tailored to meet the individual needs of our young people, families and professionals. This year, we have been invited to deliver training for a wide range of audiences, including teaching and support staff, doctors, maternity nurses and midwives, Integrated Care Boards, social workers, healthcare students, GPs, parents and school students.

Asylum Support

We continue to support families seeking asylum in the UK, alongside families from all backgrounds, ensuring they can access the specialist advice, resources and support they need. Our dedicated volunteers consistently go above and beyond to provide a warm welcome, practical assistance and guidance, while also offering virtual support and advice to the professionals working with them.

Ukrainian Partnership

We were proud to be the first and only organisation at the outbreak of the war to reach out to frontline Down syndrome groups in Ukraine and offer practical, hands-on support and friendship in those areas most impacted. Since then, we have continued to nurture our valued partnerships with several Down syndrome organisations across Ukraine including Poltava, Kharkiv, Zhytomyr, Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Vinnytsia. This ongoing collaboration has been made possible through the support of our humanitarian aid partners Vans Without Borders , who play a vital role in facilitating and strengthening these vital connections.

Comprehensive Specialist Support from the Point of Diagnosis Through to Adulthood

Specialist Services

Portsmouth DSA provides the best and most extensive programme of direct specialist social

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and educational support in the UK available with no fee, delivered by leading experts in Down syndrome. It is a comprehensive and progressive package that starts from the point of diagnosis, and continues throughout childhood and beyond, offering support in all areas of social and educational need for young people, their families and related professionals.

Pre-natal and Post-natal Support

Developments in antenatal screening have led to an increase in prenatal diagnoses, resulting in growing numbers of families and professionals seeking support at this important stage. Our Parent and Community Liaison Team provides timely, unbiased and accurate information, guidance and emotional support from the point of diagnosis onwards for both families and professionals.

Down Syndrome Specific Maternity Pathways

Afte largest acute hospital trusts, serving over half a million patients annually. Working closely with their Midwifery Screening, Fetal Medicine, Infant Feeding, Neonatal, Paediatric and Specific Maternity Pathway. After positive feedback, another hospital has approached Portsmouth DSA to collaborate on a similar initiative. These tailored pathways are designed to improve parental experience, enhance clinical outcomes, reduce birth-related mortality, and provide all involved with clear, unbiased, and up-to-date guidance.

You can read more about our work here in our Maternity Case Study to be featured in the Down Syndrome Act Guidance:Portsmouth-DSA-New-Parent-Maternity-Pathway-Casestudy-.pdf We continue to work in positive partnership with hospitals.

We continue to

Parent and Community Liaison Initiative

We are very proud of the links our Community Health Liaison Team have nurtured with hospitals, and health professionals, and Portsmouth DSA is very about Down syndrome specific interventions.

Our Community Liaison Initiative includes a comprehensive support system for new parents from the point of diagnosis. Professionals supporting the family now make an automatic referral to

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Our team make contact with new families in hospital, at home and/or at our centre to answer any questions and offer advice and support. The team also regularly works with midwives, nurses, pediatricians, GPs, health visitors, social workers, portage workers and other relevant health professionals to ensure they have the information and training they need to effectively support families and colleagues.

The Portsmouth DSA Parent Welcome Pack is distributed to maternity units and hospitals in the region and continues to be very well received by new families. A world-leading toy manufacturer continues to support the initiative by donating a soft toy for each new family.

Delivering a Diagnosis of Down Syndrome advising how best to deliver a positive diagnosis and what language is best to use when considering Down syndrome.

Our programme offers bespoke training to health professionals including our training and to date our team has had the pleasure of delivering training to thousands of midwives, paediatricians, GPs, maternity nurses, health visitors, social workers and other related professionals, aways with 100% positive feedback.

The initiative continues to be a big success especially as families are now automatically signposted/referred to us by professionals. We continue to receive excellent feedback from parents and health professionals about our initiative:

annual reviews for patients with Down syndrome. Already patients and relatives have given great feedback. We

have picked up hypoparathyroidism in the first week in a new patient to our practice who had

Portsmouth DSA have helped us immensely over the last year since we had our prenatal diagnosis. The support provided by their visits, alongside meeting families were without doubt the main reason we were able make the decision to continue with the pregnanc Parent 2023)

from the point of diagnosis. As a group of paediatricians, we have also benefited from some fantastic teaching provided by the charity. Forging a closer link between medical staff and the James Hammond, Paediatric Registrar, Wessex

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wonderful and challenging first few days of life. 35 neonatal nursery nurses from the Thames Valley and Wessex Neonatal Network had the privilege of listening to PDSA representatives in a recent conference run by the Neonatal unit in Portsmouth. This session touched us all and Susi Hill, Practice Educator, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Portsmouth University Hospitals

Baby Support Groups

Parents receive support from the point of diagnosis, and this support follows seamlessly after birth. Portsmouth DSA Baby Support Groups are delivered by our expert practitioners and offer a comprehensive support system for parents and infants up to 18 months old. These sessions provide crucial guidance on the healthcare services and routine check-ups that parents should expect, outline the benefits available to them, and offer assistance with the completion of application forms. Furthermore, parents receive tailored advice on various aspects of child development and are introduced to effective activities that can be practiced at home to

Crucially, parents are introduced to other families and are encouraged to form their own network of support. Many of our families have lasting friendships that have spanned 16 years or more.

Learn and Play Sensory Sessions

Our Learn and Play Sensory Sessions are for pre-school families and are designed to introduce stimulating play and learning environments with an emphasis on sensory play These sessions are delivered by Alice Osborne and supported by a team of volunteers, meaning that our staff are free to chat with parents, offer advice and answer any questions they might have. We are delighted to continue our collaboration with experienced Makaton teacher, Ros Keeble, and Makaton continues to play an important role in the sessions including singing and signing. When capacity allows, we also offer Makaton Signing classes for parents and professionals.

Sensory Room

Our innovative sensory room is dedicated to supporting early brain cognitive development and sensory exploration. Featuring a range of stimulating

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experiences, from soft lighting and soothing sounds to tactile activities and vibrant visuals, our sensory room offers a safe and engaging environment for infants to explore, grow and have fun.

Each element of the room is tailored to nurture the developmental needs of young children, helping to boost motor skills, enhance sensory perception, and promote emotional well-being. Our sensory room provides an ideal setting for infants to reach important early milestones while also offering parents a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful play with their infants in a safe space.

Early Development Groups

Early intervention sessions have proved to be invaluable for our pre-school children, teaching them a wide range of skills to enable them to achieve their early developmental milestones, and help prepare them for school. The groups provide regular structured activities which cover areas such as speech and language, reading, cognitive development, early number 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 fortnightly. Parents and their associated professionals are also invited to attend termly twilight training sessions covering a range of relevant topics, which this year have included early numeracy skills , encouraging positive social skills and managing behaviour and fine play and motor skills . As well as parents, we encourage associated professionals to attend.

Specialist resources are utilised including Numicon equipment. Parents are encouraged to continue activities with their children at home to increase effectiveness. The sessions not only benefit the children who take part, but also parents can experience new methods and resources children to enable maximum learning to take place.

Thank you to the Zurich Community Trust and Investec who provided grants to help fund our pre-school learning this year.

Communication Groups

Our Communication Groups for children aged 4 -11 build upon the foundation skills developed through our Early Development Groups. These sessions are delivered by charity manager Alice Osborne, with specialist input from Leila Baksi and Symbol UK.

Each group consists of three to four children, creating a supportive environment focused on developing interaction and communication skills. Individual targets and activities are set for families to practise at home throughout the month, helping to reinforce progress between sessions.

A range of intervention strategies is used to support all areas of development, with the aim of improving speaking and listening, language, reading, and social skills.

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Social Communication Groups

Children progress from our Communication Groups into our teenage Social Communication Groups once they reach secondary school age. Designed for young people aged 11 and above, these groups have evolved to reflect the changing social and communication needs of teenagers and have proved extremely successful.

The groups are larger and more informal, with a maximum of 10 participants. Parents do not attend, encouraging the young people to develop greater independence and responsibility for their sessions. Members help set up the room, choose topics they would like to discuss, and make use of iPads and iPhones as part of the activities.

Within a safe and supportive environment, the sessions continue to develop speech, language, conversation, and social communication skills, while also promoting confidence, independence, and peer interaction.

These monthly sessions are coordinated by Catherine Crook, and delivered by Amy Watson, senior Speech and Language Therapist alongside co-worker Hanna Kravtsova. The young people enjoy attending the sessions, and they continue to be popular with our members, offering invaluable social opportunities.

Our Unique Buddy Initiative Special Partnership with King Edward VI School

We have developed strong links with many schools in the region including King Edward Vl School (KES) 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 th and are at real risk of social isolation. We have been delighted to continue our exciting Buddy Partnership which is now in its seventh year with some older students from King Edward Vl School who join us for our Teenage Social Communication Group outings with the aim of developing friendships and social skills.

The sessions are managed by Charity Chair Rachael, and parent volunteers.

The partnership has been hugely successful, and the students and our teenagers have embraced the opportunity to engage with massive benefits to all taking part.

Outings have included swimming, ski-slope donutting, and our ever-popular barn dance.

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It has been wonderful to watch the friendships developing throughout the year.

a successful summer camp at the end of August at King Edward VI School, where pupils and our teenagers took part in fun activities, sport and outings including trips to the zoo and a theme park.

sure and privilege for King Edward VI School to be partner in a longstanding relationship with Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association. Through numerous activities and social events,

PDSA members and KES students form deep and meaningful bonds, and in doing so help one another to grow and learn. It would be very easy to assume that the benefits of this scheme are targeted solely at nurturing the young people from PDSA, but the truth is that the learning gained by KES students is equally profound. This is one of our longest and most cherished partnerships. Neal Parker, Head, King Edward VI School Teacher

and doing things without mum and dad. I feel safe . I love spending time with my mates from PDSA Teenager

PDSA means I get to enjoy fun activities monthly with new friends, and I love seeing the enjoyment that every single person gets out of it. It was a wonderful experience I learned so much and made so many great friendships and happy memories - KES Student

We would like to thank everyone at KES for working with us in a partnership enabling us to provide such an exciting and unique opportunity for our teenagers.

Thank you to Jody and Percussion Play , who have supported us for nearly seven years and continue to generously sponsor our Teenage Buddy Initiative.

Flagship School, College and Nursery Education Specialist Advisory Service

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association worked hard to create and develop our leading School, College and Nursery Advisory Service , Directed by Rachael Ross MBE , it is now in its sixteenth year, and we believe it is the best and most comprehensive example of its kind in the UK.

Our specialist education programme supports the successful inclusion of our members in more than 100 educational establishments across the south. We are proud to have now supported some of our older members consistently throughout their education from nursery, all the way through to further education and beyond. We have seen the advantages of this sustained intervention are manifold, including early identification and intervention for emerging issues, smoother transitions between educational stages, a higher rate of

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Successful mainstream inclusion, and enhanced social and academic outcomes overall. We receive enquiries from nonmember schools and schools in neighbouring counties as awareness about the service spreads. The service is in high demand, and we operate waiting lists.

This bespoke support service is a comprehensive package covering all aspects of education, assessment, development and inclusion, individualised to meet the needs of the student and

school. The student is visited in the school setting once a term, and school staff and parents receive advice in all areas of development including successful differentiation and teaching strategies, individual assessment and target setting. An annual report is provided to support the student Review.

The package includes remote support for parents and staff throughout the year, as well as bespoke training and a trouble-shooting service to address any issues which might arise over the year.

This is our most expensive service, and as more of our members reach senior school age, costs.

Whilst a growing number of primary schools have previously benefited from our support and have had experience of teaching a child with DS, this still remains a largely unfamiliar area for the majority of senior schools.

Careful consideration has been given to this, and the service has been adapted accordingly.

The Senior School Advisory Package includes transition support, one full day visit a term, with additional twilight training or feedback after the visit, and each new school also receives an additional training session at the start of the term, or just prior to this.

Several termly training sessions are also included in the outreach programme on a variety of relevant topics across all age groups, including pre-school. Training is delivered by our expert practitioners or experts in the field of Down syndrome. This year, as well as our annual DS overview and learning profile training , we have featured topics including Preparing for g and Developing Social Strengths resources, films and toolkits to facilitate inclusion.

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All training is relevant and based on up-to-date and evidence-based research, and we are very pleased to note that our training evaluation sheets continue to be 100% positive, with

Two years ago we made the decision to review our training model and fully open our training to a much wider audience. We were delighted when representatives from Hampshire County Council and Portsmouth City Council joined us for a variety of sessions. We have been previously been joined by the SEND County Inspector, who attended our inclusion training. She was very impressed with the session and has since been actively recommending our services to schools.

Our chairperson and director of education Rachael has contributed to the Hampshire Inspection and Advisory Service SEND Publication which was circulated to all schools in the county. Our guidance has also been featured in the national Times 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 raise the profile of 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 continued to show that our Nursery Advisory Service and Nursery Twilight Training Service remains very popular with our pre-school parents and related professionals. Although the training takes place outside of working hours in the evening, the courses are always full. Again, feedback has been 100% positive.

The School, College and Nursery Service has provided an excellent PR opportunity for the charity and has helped us develop and maintain strong links with the school communities with many of these schools holding fundraising or awareness days on our behalf particularly during Down Syndrome Awareness Week in March. We have been able to offer schools a variety of resources for their awareness celebrations, including new PowerPoint assemblies for junior and secondary age groups.

The charity has previously invested time into exploring alternative accreditations and exam courses which are more suitable for our young people, some of these had not been accessed previously and will offer more choice and opportunties, inparticular the WJEC examinations board portfolio of alternative qualifications known as the Entry Pathways.

The attraction of these qualifications for schools and pupils is that its prescribed content is more flexible allowing schools to more easily include a pupil in a GCSE class, and schools can more easily dual enter pupils for examinations. We have produced advice literature for parents and professionals about all the options available, and an explanitory training session for schools (and parents). Our practitioners have allocated extra time to work with the relevant schools, to explain more about the options availiable and to help them plan. Our schools have been keen to explore these alternative pathways and they have embraced our training and guidance. These alternative options have revolutionised exam possibilities for our teenagers and can also be of benefit to other pupils in the school community, and as our eldest cohort of pupils reach exam age, they are leaving school with GCSEs and more meaningful quailifactions.

We have partnered with some of our schools and families to produce Down syndrome specific case studies at the request of the Department for Education, with the intention of

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including them in the forthcoming Down Syndrome Act Guidance .

You can view our case studies here: Case Studies - Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association

We were very grateful to receive grants and donations towards our school service from PKCF, The Greggs Foundation , The Charlotte BonhamPlace and the Tesco Blue Token Community Scheme . We thank them for their valued support.

Our Education Practitioners

Our services are all delivered by experienced and highly qualified experts in the field of Down syndrome.

Kate Milford is our in-house education manager. experience teaching in mainstream secondary schools, most recently as Assistant Headteacher and SENCo with responsibility for inclusion. In this role she has gained a wealth of experience, delivering training on a range of special educational needs and supporting teachers to differentiate their curricula. Kate has first-hand knowledge and experience of strategies which can be implemented to allow students with Down Syndrome to flourish both socially and academically, whilst also developing independent skills in preparation for adulthood. Kate has been an asset to the team.

Allison Powell has a background in secondary education, and further trained as a specialist advisory teacher with Down Syndrome Education International. Allison co-delivers our Junior and Senior School Advisory Service and Training Programme, and is a recognised authority on the education of children with Down syndrome. Allison has worked to develop a training programme and supporting literature to advise schools and parents on alternative accreditations and exam pathways which best enable our young people to gain a wide range of recognised qualifications at school and our senior school pupils are reaping the rewards of this and are studying for and gaining meaningful qualifications enabling greater options at further education level.

Becky Baxter (LETS Go!, formerly Down Syndrome Education International) has over 22 drome. She is also a qualified speech and language therapist, specialising in Down syndrome. Becky oversees our Early Development Groups, Nursery and Infant School Advisory Service along with practitioners Sarah Holton, Sam Wood, Tracy Nye and Kate Dale . Becky and her team have been working with Portsmouth DSA since 2009.

Our Head Patron, Professor Sue Buckley OBE , is one of the foremost global experts in education and development for children with Down syndrome, and for well over 47 years, her pioneering work has been enabling children with DS to reach their full potential. Sue is always ready to offer her friendship and expert advice to the group.

We are fortunate and very excited to continue to work with some of the top educationalists and DS experts in the UK, and the world.

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Creating and Supporting Unique Community Initiatives

Special eye clinic partnership

We were very proud to have been instrumental in the establishment of syndrome specialist eye clinic at Portsmouth University , offering highly specialist services for children and adults. Our team collaborated to provide comprehensive training for staff and devised a differentiated programme enhancing the accessibility and effectiveness of eyecare services for individuals with Down syndrome. The clinic was in high demand, with families travelling from counties across the south of England to access these services.

Unfortunately, the clinic was a victim of the post-COVID slump as the clinic failed to secure continued funding from the university as funds were diverted. Families were devastated when the clinic closed its doors, but we were delighted to 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 continue our positive partnership with them.

Music Man Project Portsmouth

We are thrilled to have partnered two years ago with the national Music Man Project UK to launch Music Man Project Portsmouth , our regional branch of this inspiring initiative.

Open to anyone aged 11 and up with Down syndrome or a learning disability, the weekly sessions held at our charity centre, provide accessible music experiences and inclusive performance opportunities for all abilities.

Blending the core Music Man Project programme with some of our own creative touches, each session features music, movement, signing, and percussion. The sessions are delivered by practitioner Emma Bannister Palmer who brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm as a music teacher and musician and managed by Charity Chair, Rachael Ross.

The journey builds toward a televised performance at the Royal Albert Hall , bringing together regional groups from across the country, celebrities and Marines currently planned for 31[st] May 2027.

withdrawn, less verbal, and struggling with increased anxiety. The MMPP sessions have been incredible - wher Parent 2025

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Social Events and Parties

Many children with a learning disability do not have the same access to social opportunities as their peers, and families can feel socially isolated. We encourage our families to develop their own network of 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 financial year have included our Titchfield Railway Day and Picnic generously hosted by the Fareham and District Society of Model Engineers ; our very popular Easter party where children characters and received chocolate eggs donated by Asda, Sainsburys and Tesco and soft toys donated by TY Toys who have supported our event for many years; a spooky Halloween party supported by the Royal Navy ; and a very successful outdoor activity evening at Fairthorne Manor where children are given the opportunity to take part in activities such as kayaking, archery and climbing. All our events are extremely popular and well attended. Our Christmas Party kindly hosted by the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth in December was another big success. Our Events Team once again excelled themselves with our members.

Portsmouth DSA knows how to throw a good party, and the biggest thanks must go to our amazing volunteers led by our talented events manager Stacey Brooks , who every year go above and beyond to ensure our members have access to these amazing social opportunities.

Thank you to Jazz Apple for their donation towards our events, the Zurich Challenge Team for their donations and to their volunteer team for regularly donating time to support our coffee mornings.

Volunteers

Volunteers remain at the heart of Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association, helping us deliver services, events and fundraising activities throughout the year. We are proud to foster a strong community spirit, with many members contributing their time on either a regular or ad hoc basis.

Over the Great South Run weekend, more than 600 volunteers joined our cheer teams and event support activities, alongside over 300 runners who took part on behalf of the charity.

We are also grateful to the Rapid Relief Team , whose volunteers will once again generously support the 2026 event by providing refreshments and food for our runners, volunteers and supporters.

Our families, members and dedicated Events Team regularly volunteer to support fundraising collections, awareness campaigns and community activities. We are fortunate to have a strong and committed core of volunteers, including parents, carers and members of the wider community, who contribute their skills, time and enthusiasm across many areas of the charity.

Regular volunteers help deliver our coffee mornings, Learn and Play sessions, and a wide range of social and fundraising events. Their commitment has enabled us to expand

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our programme of activities, increase awareness of Down syndrome, and strengthen partnerships with local organisations and supporters.

As a charity that relies heavily on volunteer involvement, we are immensely grateful to everyone who gives their time to support our work. Their dedication makes a lasting difference to the children, young people and families we serve.

In 2021, we were honoured to receive the which is awarded for life. This is the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK and widely regarded as the equivalent of an MBE. The award recognises sustained excellence and outstanding service to the community, and it remains a lasting testament to the commitment and impact of our volunteers.

It is credit to our inspirational leadership team, all of whom volunteer regularly themselves, and our wonderful army of volunteer supporters. We were also delighted to receive an additional Special COVID Recognition honour for our work during the COVID pandemic. Each volunteer was proud to receive an individual and a Special Covid Recognition Certificate, and this number included some of our teenagers with Down syndrome and their older siblings.

Fundraising, Awareness and Community Support

The Great South Run

With the support of our volunteers and Events Team, we have delivered a number of successful fundraising events over the past academic year, most notably the Great South Run in October. Held annually in Portsmouth, we continue to maximise the opportunity this local event provides, making it one of our largest and most successful fundraising initiatives.

Each year we are proud to field a team of over 300 entrants across the various races, consistently making us one of the best-represented regional charities. The event provides a valuable platform to raise awareness of our work within the wider community, and we have received excellent feedback from organisers and members of the public alike. It is always featured in local press, radio and media coverage.

We were especially pleased by the strong turnout of under-18 participants on the Saturday, including many of our children and young people, as well as athletes from the Southeast Hampshire Special Olympics Team, who joined us again for the 5k event for the fifth consecutive year. Their continued involvement is a real highlight of the weekend.

As always, our volunteers played a vital role in the success of the event , supporting runners at cheer points along the route and ensuring a positive and inclusive atmosphere throughout the day. We are also extremely grateful to the Rapid Relief Team , who will once again join us in 2026 to provide free hot food and refreshments for hundreds of children, families, runners and supporters. Our thanks also go event manager Alice, and to the Great South Run organisers , who continue to be highly supportive and generously provide a free marquee for our families each year.

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Down Syndrome Awareness Week Celebrations

Our annual Down Syndrome Awareness Week took place in March, accompanied once again by our dedicated social media awareness campaign. We are especially grateful to regional solicitors Warner Goodman LLP , who generously sponsored the campaign for the fifteenth consecutive year. Their continued support enabled us to reach a significantly wider audience.

As in previous years, the celebrations were warmly embraced by the community. Schools, hospitals, businesses, and individuals participated by hosting awareness assemblies, special Ro campaign received widespread support across the region.

Highlights of the week included a visit from the ever-popular Singing Hands and the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, and our annual rock gig at the Spinnaker Tower , featuring the band Uncovered , who kindly donate their time and talent to the charity.

We look forward to hosting our successful Community Champions Awards evening once again in March 2027, where we will celebrate the achievements, commitment and best practice of our partner professionals, advocates and volunteers across the community.

Community Partners and Supporters

We have worked hard over the years to nurture strong links with our community, and support from the business community has continued to be strong.

A big thank you to our fabulous charity partners for 2026 ~~2~~ 7, including Warner Goodman Solicitors , Percussion Play , Man V Fat Havant , Zurich , Glowsure Insurance and Sporting Bears , who have all gone above and beyond to provide friendship, encouragement and practical support. We are also sincerely grateful to Vans Without Borders and our valued partners within Down syndrome organisations in Ukraine for their continued collaboration and support.

Our thanks also extend to Portchester Pétanque , The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth , Portsmouth City Council , Chris Atwell , Free Kicks Foundation , Progression Signage , Design Image , Jazz Apple , and Portsmouth RFC Vets , for helping to raise awareness by proudly featuring our charity logo on their kits and materials.

We are equally grateful to our local supermarket supporters, including Asda , Tesco North Harbour , as well as Gunwharf Quays and Whiteley Shopping Centre , for their ongoing generosity and community engagement. We also warmly acknowledge UK Garrison and Hampshire Cosplay for bringing energy, creativity and excitement to our fundraising collections.

Finally, we extend heartfelt thanks to our parents and families , whose support remains at the core of everything we do. Many took part in the Great South Run or encouraged friends and colleagues to join, while others organised fundraising events, completed sponsored challenges, or secured workplace support on behalf of the charity.

A sincere thank you to all our donors, fundraisers and volunteers for your continued and invaluable support.

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Improving Representation in the Media

The charity actively promotes inclusion and equality, and we believe that it is essential for individuals with Down syndrome and learning disabilities to be offered equal opportunities to be fairly represented & included in the media world. We have continued our work with BAFTA on their diversity board to advise about inclusion in the TV and film industry. We were previously proud to have co-commissioned a review into inclusion policy, culminating in inclusion and diversity guidelines which were disseminated throughout the industry, leading to visibly improved opportunities and better representation for people with DS and other disabled talent.

Over recent years we worked with our contacts to ensure the refurbished BAFTA building was fully accessible for all. The report promotes a more inclusive media community, with increased opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities; an exciting prospect, and we are proud to have encouraged and contributed to this.

Already as a direct result of our work and recommendations, the first actor with Down syndrome, Tommy Jessop , was invited onto the BAFTA elevate programme, and is the first voting member of BAFTA and also the first to present an award at the BAFTAs. We were delighted when Tommy was selected for the programme, and his first meeting was with none other than Martin Scorsese! We look forward to seeing much more of Tommy on our screens.

Hot on his heels, we were delighted to see TV Presenter George Webster win his welldeserved BAFTA the first actor with Down syndrome to receive the award.

Our work in media continues to challenge perceptions, break down stereotypes and create meaningful opportunities for actors with Down syndrome in authentic, high-quality roles.

Building on our successful partnership with the producers of the multi-award-winning film My Feral Heart , we helped support a powerful platform for awarenessactor, Steven Brandon - who many will remember from our special charity screening - achieved national recognition when he won Best Actor at the National Film Awards, surpassing nominees including Michael Fassbender, Eddie Redmayne, Ewan McGregor and Daniel Radcliffe.

Following this success, we collaborated with SweetDoh Productions on the short film Innocence , which places actors with Down syndrome and learning disabilities at the centre of the story, including Tommy Jessop and Bethany Asher in leading roles. The film has received significant critical acclaim, winning The London Lift-Off Film Festival Award , honours at the International Lift-Off Film Awards , and the Don Quixote Award at the Krakow Film Festival .

As a result of this success, development is now underway on a feature-length version of Innocence , which aims to further expand opportunities for actors with Down syndrome in representation in the film industry.

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Stage 21 Acting Masterclass

Stage 21 , a distinguished national acting masterclass, was established by our partners at SweetDoh Productions in collaboration with Portsmouth DSA and is funded by Arts Council England. Over the past four years, the programme has provided highquality training and professional development opportunities for actors with Down syndrome, building confidence, skills and industry experience.

prestigious Kings Theatre , which generously donated its facilities for a three-day intensive programme. Specifically designed for young adults with Down syndrome, Stage 21 offers a rare and valuable opportunity to train alongside experienced industry professionals in a supportive yet professionally rigorous environment.

We are especially proud that two alumni of the programme have gone on to achieve BAFTA recognition for their work, highlighting the impact of inclusive training and the importance of creating genuine pathways into the creative industries.

Public Relations and Publicity

Public Relations & Raising Awareness

Effective PR is vital, not only to raise awareness of Down syndrome, drive essential fundraising, but also to help families access support. We continue to work hard to raise awareness in the local area and also on a national platform through our work with the National Down Syndrome Policy Group .

We have built strong relationships with parents, schools, businesses and professionals, creating an ever-expanding network of support. Our events and services are regularly featured in local papers, and our trustees, staff, and families have participated in a range of local and national media interviews. We are grateful to all who help share our message.

We have been HIAS SEND Publication . , was circulated to all schools in the county, and another piece was published in The Times Educational Supplement , reaching a national audience. We have also been featured each year in the Great South Run national brochure and on their social media platforms.

Our social media platforms - Facebook (18.5K followers), Twitter/X (2.6K), Instagram (1.7K), and LinkedIn (616), continue to grow steadily and remain an important way for us to connect with families, supporters and the wider community.

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While overall engagement remains strong, we have seen a slight decline compared with previous years, reflecting a broader national trend of reduced public interaction across social media platforms. Industry data continues to show decreasing engagement rates across major channels, and we are adapting our content and approach accordingly to maintain meaningful connection with our audience.

A strong social media presence is vital to our community engagement and fundraising success. We encourage all members, families and supporters to follow, share and engage with our pages to help extend our reach and amplify the impact of our work.

Group remains a valued space for families to share .

Our website, developed by Design Image Ltd , remains a key information hub for families and the public. We plan a much-needed refresh in the year ahead.

Policy & Advocacy

We remain committed to highlighting key issues impacting people with Down syndrome and their families on issues such as education, healthcare, service access, new legislation, and more, through regular contact with councillors, MPs, and other stakeholders and through lobbying parliament when appropriate.

Such lobbying has previously driven meaningful national change, including the revision of Blue Badge eligibility criteria . Our Chair, Rachael, also led a landmark campaign securing the inclusion of Down syndrome in the annual school census , an important UK first. Working in partnership with the Department for Education, their report was approved by the Star Chamber in 2024, resulting in improved recognition and more accurate allocation of resources to better support children and young people.

Local councillors receive regular updates and many actively support our events, joining us for Down Syndrome Awareness Week and sometimes the Great South Run.

sharing the importance of our work directly with MPs, ministers, and civil servants. There is still much to do to secure fair access to services and opportunities, and we encourage all families to stay engaged, speak up, and support our awareness campaigns. Working together, our voice is amplified and we achieve better outcomes for our community.

Driving Change at a National (and International) Level

The National Down Syndrome Policy Group (NDSPG)

In 2021, we were delighted to be co-founders of the National Down Syndrome Policy Group (NDSPG) . Our Charity Chair and Vice-Chair, Ken and Rachael, are among the 15

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founding officers, which include individuals with Down syndrome. Together, they work to ensure that people with Down syndrome have a meaningful voice in shaping policies that affect their lives.

As Trustees of the NDSPG, Rachael and Ken serve as parliamentary liaisons , sharing collective responsibility for engagement with Parliament and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Down Syndrome (APPGDS), as the official secretariat support to the APPGDS.

The group is supported by more than 125 Down syndrome (and some learning disability) organisations across the UK.

We believe it is essential that people with Down syndrome are at the heart of all policy decisions that affect them. A strong network of over 120 adults with Down syndrome is represented through the National Down Syndrome Advisory Group, which meets regularly and actively contributes to our work.

The NDSPG brings together officers, ambassadors, patrons, and advocates with Down syndrome, and we are proud that some of our Portsmouth DSA young adults are also actively involved and contributing to its work.

In 2021, we were delighted to join forces with other key charity leaders to establish the National Down Syndrome Policy Group. Our Charity Chair and Vice-Chair, Ken and Rachael, are two of the 15 founding officers including officers with Down syndrome, who work towards supporting people with Down syndrome to have a say in the formation of policy in matters that impact their lives. As Trustees for the NDSPG, Rachael and Ken are parliamentary liaisons and have the collective responsibility for parliamentary and All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPGDS) liaison, and the NDSPG provide the official secretariat to the APPGDS.

The group has been supported by leading national organisations such as Mencap, as well as over 125 Down Syndrome organisations.

We believe it is very important that people with Down syndrome are at the heart of any policies about people with Down syndrome, and a strong group of over 120 adults with Down syndrome are members of the National Down Syndrome Advisory Group who meet regularly and feed into our work.

The NDSPG includes officers, ambassadors, patrons and advocates with Down syndrome, and we are very proud that a number of our teenagers have played an active role.

The Down Syndrome Act 2022

The first major undertaking of the National Down Syndrome Policy Group (NDSPG) was to advocate for a Down Syndrome Act to improve opportunities, services, and outcomes for people with Down syndrome. The group was delighted when Sir Liam Fox agreed to sponsor the Down Syndrome Bill.

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Rachael and Ken drafted the initial Bill and worked closely with Dr Fox, government ministers, civil servants, and ambassadors with Down syndrome in Parliament to support its successful progression through Parliament. Following a significant and sustained campaign, strongly supported by the NDSPG Advisory Group, PDSA members, and the wider community organisations and professionals, the Bill completed its journey to become the historic Down Syndrome Act. England is the first country in the world to pass dedicated legislation of this kind.

What was once considered an unachievable goal has now been realised, and we are immensely proud to have helped lead this achievement. It demonstrates what can be achieved when our community works together as one.

We now continue to work with the NDSPG, Parliament, and our wider community to help shape the Down Syndrome Act Guidance. The first draft guidance is now expected later this year, following further significant delays and a high turnover of ministers, and will set out important provisions across key areas including:

• Community and wellbeing Education Employment Healthcare and research Maternity care

When the Call for Evidence was launched, we organised three large-scale consultation events in Westminster and Leeds for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, as well as virtual meetings for group leaders and professionals. These in-person sessions were attended by parliamentary civil servants who listened to views on education, healthcare,

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social care, and employment. We were especially proud to have teenagers from Portsmouth DSA and our patron, Tommy Jessop , join us to represent the community.

To further support the development of the Down Syndrome Act Guidance, we previously organised a special round table at 10 Downing Street. There, our ambassadors with Down syndrome met with the Under Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to share their lived experiences and discuss the challenges they face daily. It was a highly successful and empowering meeting, and our ambassadors were an absolute credit to our community. These important conversations have since opened the door for ongoing dialogue and progress.

While there is still work to be done, the significance of the Down Syndrome Act and accompanying Guidance cannot be overstated. The initiative has attracted international attention. The former U.S. Ambassador hosted a celebratory reception for our organisation at Winfield House and requested regular updates. Additionally, Trustees Ken and Rachael were deeply honoured to receive an invitation from the Ethiopian Ambassador to collaborate on developing similar legislation aimed at improving outcomes for people with Down syndrome, not just in Ethiopia, but across the whole of the 54 African nations .

Downing Street Hosts Portsmouth DSA and the NDSPG

Members of Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association previously experienced a memorable pre-election highlight with an invitation to visit No.10 Downing Street. In a special gathering, ten young representatives from the charity were warmly welcomed by Mrs. Murty, the wife of the former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

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Mrs Murty accompanied the group on an exclusive tour of Downing Street, followed by lunch.

Charity Ambassador Max Ross Mrs Murty was very kind and put us all at ease. She told stories about herself, including her favourite colour is pink, and that she and her daughters Then she asked us to tell her all ab

Ken and Rachael with the National Down Syndrome Policy Group also helped organise a large reception the previous day at Downing Street for over 150 individuals with Down syndrome from across the UK to celebrate the enactment of the Down Syndrome Act 2022 and to raise awareness about Down syndrome. Guests included actor Tommy Jessop (Line of Duty) and CBBC Presenter George Webster . It is thought to have been the largest gathering of people with Down syndrome

Three individuals with Down syndrome, including Portsmouth DSA Ambassador Max were interviewed by Downing Street Press and took part in an iconic photo shoot to mark this landmark occasion. The articles were then prominently featured on both the former Prime Minister Rishi s.

Reflecting on t We were honoured to be invited to No10 once again. We were able to speak with ministers and key policy makers about the daily

challenges people with Down syndrome and their families face. The week was a huge success, and we certainly achieved our aim to raise awareness about Down syndrome

ICB Symposium

The Down Syndrome Act 2022 established a unique position within the Integrated Care Board (ICB), specifically dedicated to Down syndrome. This role is intended to provide more tailored and efficient healthcare services for individuals with Down syndrome, enhancing coordination in addressing their specific needs. The focused approach aims to improve the quality of care, health outcomes, and the responsiveness of support services to better meet individual requirements.

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Previously Rachael and Ken with the National Down Syndrome Policy Group, organised a national ICB symposium for Down Syndrome leads, hosted in the Department of Health and Social Care building in London to examine the new role, highlight existing good practice and encourage networking. Amongst others, we were delighted to feature Portsm patron professor Sue Buckley OBE and welcomed speeches from the former Minister Maria Caulfield and the former Secretary of State, Victoria Atkins.

and we received excellent feedback from delegates with multiple requests for a follow-up symposium which we hope will take place in the near future.

School Census Success!

Portsmouth DSA has actively lobbied over past years for the inclusion of Down syndrome as a separate category in the annual school census alongside other conditions such as autism and hearing impairment. Working with the National Down Syndrome Policy Group, and supported by the majority of DS organisations, we garnered the support of the Education Secretary, and working in partnership with the Department for Education, Ken and Rachael presented the case to the Star Chamber for approval. We were delighted when they consented to our request, and from January 2025, Down syndrome has been included in the school census, meaning that for the very first time in the future, the number of pupils with Down syndrome in schools and the location of these pupils will be known. We will no longer need to estimate these figures.

Amongst other benefits, this could enable local authorities to plan and evaluate for more targeted specialist provision, facilitate the effective dissemination of Down syndrome specific education guidelines, interventions, and resources, and help predict and inform future staff and training needs regionally and nationally. It will help identify trends. We will be able to seamlessly monitor the transition to and from mainstream or special settings, compare mainstream inclusion figures in different regions, and identify regions that rely too heavily on pathway. Figures can be used to support research, tribunals and to argue for more specialist support and training. It will most certainly lead to increased accountability.

Update: Following our communication with the Department for Education identifying serious inaccuracies in the Down syndrome data collected during the January 2025 School Census, the Department has decided to withdraw this data for the current year.

They acknowledged the concerns we raised, noting that there have been teething issues with accuracy and reliability.

The Department explained that with the introduction of any new data items, a period of adjustment is often needed before submissions stabilise and reach the expected levels of consistency. They have assured us that steps will be taken over the summer to improve the process and outcomes, and they welcomed our continued input.

We have expressed our appreciation for their transparency and collaboration, and we all hope

.

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Meaningful data is fundamentally important and has great potential to improve experiences and outcomes, but as with all information, its true value lies in its effective utilization. As a community, we all now have a collective responsibility to ensure this new data is used to our advantage.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Down Syndrome (APPGDS)

The National Down Syndrome Policy Group (NDSPG) serves as the secretariat for the AllParty Parliamentary Group on Down Syndrome and played a pivotal role in its reestablishment after a 12-year hiatus.

Portsmouth DSA Chair and Vice-Chair, Rachael and Ken, represent NDSPG within the Parliamentary space and the APPGDS, playing a vital role in its activities and advocacy.

Now co-chaired by Damian Hinds MP and Andrew Cooper MP , the APPGDS works to influence government policy with the aim of improving the lives of people with Down syndrome. It also seeks to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people with Down syndrome and highlight opportunities for enhancing life outcomes.

ementing relevant policies. We were particularly pleased when APPGDS members unanimously supported the Down Syndrome Bill throughout its parliamentary journey to enactment. Their continued backing has also been crucial in progressing the Down Syndrome Guidance and in strengthening our successful campaign to include Down syndrome as a distinct category in the national annual school census.

We are very grateful to Portsmouth DSA and NDSPG members for supporting our work, lobbying their MPs and keeping their MPs updated with our progress.

Finances

Our annual accounts are prepared by James Todd & Co Accountants . We extend our thanks to them for their continued support, and to our bookkeeper, Tracy Dukes , for her invaluable work.

The trustees remain committed to securing the estimated funding required to operate services at least six months in advance. We are now building on these reserves in preparation for the year ahead.

Over the past year, we have seen a continued rise in both membership and service usage. However, it remains increasingly clear that families living further afield are less active and engaged due to geographic distance. Overall engagement levels among general members have yet to return to pre-COVID levels.

As a charity with a very small staff team and largely managed by volunteers, we remind

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families that our membership criteria promote collective member responsibility with an expectation of active participation and support wherever possible. Without this vital involvement and support, we cannot guarantee the continuation of future services for all.

Membership remains strong with very few families leaving, and demand for our services continues to grow. Coupled with a significant rise in operational costs and demand on resources, we anticipate that both numbers and associated expenses will continue to increase steadily.

Trustees are fully aware of the significant financial pressures brought about by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The long-term sustainability of the charity depends entirely on continued and successful fundraising, which remains a top priority, as well as member support

In response to rising costs, some of our contracted practitioners have been previously compelled to increase their fees by 20% to include VAT and we are facing substantial increases in operational expenses.

At the same time, securing grant funding has become increasingly challenging, as many funders are reverting to stricter eligibility criteria, focusing on more specialised topical or niche areas, or are selecting national charities over regional charities. This shift further underscores the importance of diversifying our income streams and strengthening our fundraising efforts to ility.

We support families from the point of diagnosis through to the end of schooling and further education. The estimated cost of delivering our core services excluding any additional provision, comprising the basic early package of development and communication groups and our nursery/school advisory service, is approximately £30,000 per member for their time with Portsmouth DSA aged 0-18.

When all comprehensive educational and social provision, along with full organisational running costs, are taken into account, the cost increases to approximately £52,000 per member over the ages of ~~0 1~~ 8, and £72,000 per member over the ages of 0 ~~2~~ 5, based on current income levels.

With 125 families and over 500 individual family members , our mission is to support every child and family from the earliest stages and throughout childhood. Additionally, we continue to provide support and guidance to non-member families, local schools, organisations, professionals and the broader community

To meet these growing demands and responsibilities, it is vital that we continue to strengthen our financial reserves . Our goal is to once again build and maintain a minimum pre-Covid (up from 6 months) to further safeguard the future of our services and ensure long-term sustainability.

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The Year Ahead

Fundraising remains a critical priority to ensure the continuation and development of our work. We warmly invite the entire Portsmouth DSA community to actively support these essential efforts all members can continue to access the services and activities they have come to rely on.

We are now well settled into our new centre, and many of the key rooms have been furnished. Looking ahead, our focus will be on completing the furnishing of the remaining rooms and, where possible, replacing some of the older furniture and chairs, many of which were inherited from our previous centre and are now tired.

Ideally, we would like to explore relocating our training from external venues into our own building. This would reduce expenditure while also providing an opportunity to showcase our centre and its work to our community and education partners. It would also create meaningful opportunities, including the potential to employ some of our members with Down syndrome to prepare and serve refreshments during breaks.

However, this development would depend on securing initial funding for essential equipment such as chairs, desks, and IT resources, as well as ongoing running costs.

Our staff team is very small, and we continue to operate beyond capacity. Ideally, we would like to recruit two to three additional staff members to help manage increasing administrative demands, strengthen our fundraising activity, and support the expansion of our services -particularly within schools.

However, this will only be possible if additional funding becomes available. In the meantime, we remain deeply grateful for the commitment and contribution of our volunteers, whose

A key area we hope to develop is dedicated support and opportunities for our growing number of post-18 members. Unfortunately, due to limited staffing and resources, it has been impossible to set time aside for this to date, but it remains a clear priority for the future, as we work toward a more inclusive and lifelong support model.

In the coming year, we remain committed to deepening our partnerships with families, local communities, organisations, and government bodies . Our goal is to continue delivering a wide range of specialist services while also influencing national policy to improve opportunities and life outcomes for people with Down syndrome. We aim to equip them with the skills they need to become valued and active members of their communities, while providing support and friendship along the journey.

Finally, we would like to express our sincere thanks to the Portsmouth DSA Board of Trustees, our dedicated volunteers, the families we serve, and our generous supporters. It is only through your continued commitment that our charity can grow, thrive, and make a lasting difference.

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Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association

This report was approved by the Board of Trustees

Signed by order of the Board of Trustees

Rachael Ross OBE

Board of Trustees

Date -

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Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association

of Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association

I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2026 set out on pages thirty five to forty one.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act)) and that an independent examination is required.

It is my responsibility to:

• examine the accounts under Section 145 of the 2011 Act

• to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under Section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and

• to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of the independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view ' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statements below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

• (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements

• to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act; and

• • to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act

have not been met; or

• (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Mrs J Watts FCCA, ACA James Todd and Co. Furzehall Farm 110 Wickham Road Fareham Hampshire PO16 7JH

Date:

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Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2026

Incoming Resources Donations and grants Investment Income Total Income Resources Expended Raising Funds Charitable Activities Support Costs Total Expenditure Net Income / (Expenditure) Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward	Notes 3 4 5 6		2026 Unrestricted 280,492 1,892	2026 Total Total Restricted 2026 2025 56,204 336,696 313,596 - 1,892 1,632
			282,384	56,204 338,588 315,228
			12,180 372,610 17,483	- 12,180 16,803 42,915 523 415,525 18,006 379,956 10,377
			402,273	43,438 445,711 407,136
			(119,889)	12,766 (107,123) (91,908)
			(119,889)	12,766 (107,123) (91,908)
			300,813	8,542 309,355 401,263
			180,924	21,308 202,232 309,355

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Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association

Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2026

Notes Fixed assets 10 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Total current assets Creditors Amounts falling due within one year 11 12 Net current assets Funds of the charity Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 13 13		Total 2026 48,481 32,491 123,715 __ 156,206 (2,455) 202,232 180,924 21,308 202,232	Total 2025 134,876 46,981 138,783 __ 185,764 (11,285)
			309,355 300,813 8,542 309,355

Approved by the trustees on and signed on behalf of all trustees

________ Mrs R Ross OBE - TRUSTEE

________ Mr K Ross OBE TRUSTEE

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Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2026

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparation of accounts

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) issued on 16 July 2014 and with the Charities Act 2011.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS102.

Donations

Donations and sponsorships are recognised in the accounts when the charity becomes entitled to the resources and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Government grants

in

the Statement of Financial Activities as income in the period to which the underlying furloughed staff costs relate.

Expenditure

Resources expended are recognised where it is more than likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amounts of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.

Management and administration costs

Only those costs specifically identified as for the administration and management of the charity are included in the accounts as such costs.

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Leasehold improvements over the term of the existing lease, which ceases in October 2026. Fixtures and Fittings straight line over 5 years.

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset and is credited or charged to profit or loss.

2. EXPENDITURE IN FURTHERANCE OF THE OBJECTS OF THE CHARITY

• All expenses paid in furtherance of the objects of the charity are donations.

3. DONATIONS AND OTHER INCOME

Donations and other income Grants	2026 273,385 63,311 336,696	2025 240,592 73,004 313,596

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Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association

4. RAISING FUNDS

Great South Run Fundraising expenses 5. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES School Services Communication Groups Early Development Groups Staff Costs Social Events andEntertainment General Expenses Nursery Outreach Service Service Charges Rates Venue Hire Training Repairs and Renewals Depreciation	2026 6,645 5,535 12,180 2026 137,810 11,741 11,452 79,417 31,973 4,166 7,061 35,010 4,541 2,272 3,061 626 86,395 415,525	2025 12,123 4,680 16,803 2025 127,189 12,444 11,421 35,933 26,654 5,922 7,780 36,885 4,541 2,249 24,204 (1,664) 86,395 379,956

The comparative figures have been reclassified to allocate service charges, rates, venue hire, training repairs and renewals and depreciation to charitable activities. This change has no impact on total expenditure, net expenditure or funds.

6. SUPPORT COSTS

Accountancy Bookkeeping Cleaning Insurance Bank charges IT Costs Postage Stationery & Printing General Legal and professional costs Repairs & Renewals Telephone	2026 876 567 2,008 2,732 92 972 245 569 3,666 5,577 626 702 18,006		2025 852 574 1,772 2,898 96 1,158 241 330 20 1,571 (1,664) 868 10,380

7. TRUSTEES REMUNERATION

6 nor for the year ended 31 March 2025.

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Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association

8. STAFF COSTS

Wages and Salaries Social Security Costs Pension Costs Total wages Costs	2026 145,381 16,634 2,725 164,740	2025 105,809 2,977 1,901 110,687

No employee earned £60,000 pa or more.

The average number of employees during the year was 6, this consists of two full-time employees and four part-time employees.

9. ACCOUNTANCY FEE ANALYSIS

Accountancy Independent Examination		2026 275 601 876	2025 275 577 852

10. TANGIBLE ASSETS

Leasehold Improvements Cost Cost brought forward 318,282 Additions - Disposals - Cost carried forward 318,282 Depreciation Depreciation brought forward 193,003 Depreciation charge 83,074 Depreciation carried forward 276,077 Net book value brought forward 125,279 Net book value carried forward 42,205 11. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade debtors Prepayments 12. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade Creditors and Accruals	Fixtures & Fittings 16,589 - - 16,589 6,992 3,321 10,313 9,597 6,276 2026 325 32,166 32,491 2026 2,455 2,455	Fixtures & Fittings 16,589 - - 16,589 6,992 3,321 10,313 9,597 6,276 2026 325 32,166 32,491 2026 2,455 2,455		TOTAL 334,871 - -
				334,871 199,995 86,395
				286,390
				134,876
				48,481
				2025 - 46,981 46,981 2025 11,285 11,285

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13. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

Fixed Assets Current Assets Current Liabilities MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Unrestricted Funds General Fund Restricted Funds Miscellaneous Funds		2026 Unrestricted 48,481 134,898 (2,455)	2026 Unrestricted 48,481 134,898 (2,455)	2026 Restricted - 21,308 -		Total 2026 48,481 156,206 (2,455)		Total 2025 134,876 185,764 (11,285)
			180,924	21,308		202,232		309,355
			At 1.4.25 300,813 8,542	Incoming 282,384 56,204	Resources (402,273) (43,438)		At 31.3.26 (119,889) 21,308
			309,355	338,588	(445,711)		202,232

Included within the restricted balance at 31 March 2026 is £20,883 which relates to the Early Development Groups, a grant of £25,000 was received from the Zurich Community Trust to be used for pre-school services and support, including Early Development Groups and our Learn and Play Sessions. The grant was received shortly before the year end and therefore the remaining fund will be spent during the next year.

14. OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS

OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS
Within one year Between two and five years In over five years	2026 26,750 112,000 151,667 290,417	2025 25,000 110,750 179,667
		315,417

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