DOI4N SYNDR1* 4 • CHISH PACT REPORT a 2024 ## **Introduction** **Our vision** is to empower people with Down syndrome in Cheshire to live the life **they** choose. ## OUR MISSION The last 12 months have brought both challenges and triumphs for families across Cheshire. But it’s in those moments, when support matters most, that the impact of Down Syndrome Cheshire truly shines. Championing a future where individuals with Down syndrome and their families are **empowered** , **equipped** with life skills, educational support, and advocacy, enabling them to live independent, impactful, and rewarding lives. This year, we’ve stood alongside over 350 families, delivering services, building confidence, and creating spaces where every person with Down syndrome can feel empowered, valued, and seen. We’ve grown, we’ve listened, and we’ve adapted because our community is at the heart of everything we do. From early support to adult pathways, from school visits to social events, every interaction is a step towards a more inclusive future. ## OUR VALUES - **Ambitious:** We push for excellence in all our endeavours. We made a promise to walk with our members through every stage of life. And this year, together, we did just that. - **Supportive:** We provide a caring community that encourages growth and connection. - **Trusted:** We maintain integrity and transparency in all our operations. 2023/24 was a year of connection, celebration, and change and we’re just getting started. - **Dedicated:** We are committed to our mission and the families we serve. - **Caring:** We approach every relationship with compassion and empathy. Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 2 3 ## **“** **As CEO of Down Syndrome Cheshire, it fills me with immense pride to reflect on a year filled with growth, resilience, and community spirit. At the heart of everything we do is a shared belief, that every individual with Down syndrome deserves the opportunity to live the life they choose, surrounded by support, empowerment, and joy.** **This year, we’ve seen our network grow to support over 350 families across Cheshire and surrounding areas. We’ve expanded our services, introduced innovative programmes, and created more spaces physical and emotional, for our members to thrive. Whether it’s speech and language sessions, life skills development, inclusive sports, or social clubs, our impact continues to be shaped by the voices of those we support.** **We’ve worked hard to build strong partnerships and secure vital funding, helping us sustain and evolve what we offer. At a time when the charity sector faces increasing challenges, our community has stepped up. From families running marathons, to local businesses backing our vision, to volunteers giving countless hours we’ve felt the full strength of collective action.** **Behind every statistic in this report is a story. A milestone reached, a confidence grown, a connection made. And it’s these moments that show the true impact of our work.** **Looking ahead, I’m incredibly excited about our 2025–2028 strategy, a bold, thoughtful plan to widen our reach, strengthen our sustainability, and deepen our impact. It was shaped with you; our members, families, supporters and it’s built on hope, ambition, and the power of community.** **Thank you for walking this journey with us. Together, we are creating a future full of possibility. ”** **Warm regards, Vicky Irwin Chief Executive Officer** Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 4 5 **“** **We’ve been a part of the Down Syndrome Cheshire community for years and we would both be** lost without it. **”** Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 6 7 **----- Start of picture text -----**
EDUCATION
127
individuals
trained in
Makaton
170
individuals
completing
training
100%
increased
their skills
96%
with our
felt more
training
confident
168
to support
children
a child with
in schools DS
172
108
visits to individuals
schools attended
‘Lunch & Learn’
workshops
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Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 8 9 **“ From the first phone call I got from Down Syndrome Cheshire I felt so supported. Walking through the doors at Down Syndrome Cheshire for Cheeky Monkeys we were made to feel so welcome and its like a little family. The staff are amazing.** **My child is only 7 months old but they go above and beyond to include little ones in the play. For me to get advice from parents who are ahead in their journey has been so helpful. I am so happy to have found Down Syndrome Cheshire. ”** Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 10 11 ## **EMPLOYABILITY AND LIFE SKILLS** **----- Start of picture text -----**
5
members into
supported
employment
8
businesses
engaged in
Employment
Week
200
hours support
to 18+ Monday
day provision
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**----- Start of picture text -----**
10
students at
Petty Pool
College
6
accessed our
members Adult Day
Provision
supported
4
to vote in
members
the General
aged 18+
Election
visited
Downing
Street
60
hours provision
delivered to
support the
15 #IChooseBoard
members aged
16+ participated in
Employment Week
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Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 12 13 ## **“** **Having a young person with Down syndrome join our team has been truly eye-opening. Their enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and positive attitude have brought so much energy to our office.** **It has helped all of us grow in confidence and understanding, showing just how independent and capable people with Down syndrome can be. Conversations around inclusion have become a natural part of our workplace, and our clients have also responded positively.** **We would highly recommend offering opportunities like this, it has been rewarding, fulfilling, and a real boost to our team culture.** Howdens Insurance **”** ## **“** **Having a volunteer from Down Syndrome Cheshire has been a wonderful experience for us at Storyhouse.** **Their enthusiasm, dedication, and ability to take on a wide range of tasks, from welcoming customers and helping them to their seats, to managing the auditorium and assisting at screenings, has been outstanding.** **They have quickly become a valued part of our team, building confidence, independence, and strong relationships with both staff and customers.** **It’s been inspiring to see the positive impact this opportunity has had, not just for them, but for everyone here at Storyhouse.** Storyhouse Chester **”** Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 14 15 **----- Start of picture text -----**
27
members
COMMUNITY
went to the
11
Christmas
regular activities Panto
delivered across
the year
21
37
members
community
went to
events across
15
Manchester
the year
holiday half Airport to
term events watch planes
45
members supported
2641
our events to
staff delivery celebrate WDSD at
hours across professional sports
community clubs
50
events and
members
regular
attended 36
activities
Dance
members
sessions
attended
Football
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Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 16 17 FUNDRAISING ,r* I "•' ti.,. Aol Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 19 **THANK YOU** To all our wonderful volunteers. The team, behind the team **----- Start of picture text -----**
21
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Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 20 ## DAVIE DUFF DRISCOLL KINGSLEY PICKEN **----- Start of picture text -----**
WOODCOCK
EDDLESTON
JERSTICE
POTTER
LACEY
PACKER
AVRAAM
UPTON
SMITH
KNIGHT
OLLIER
MERCER
THOMAS
PICKERING
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Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 22 23 **DOWN SYNDROME CHESHIRE** ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 ## **THANK YOU** ## LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Trustees J Duff K Muncaster A Lewis L Leather S Hollis P Hilditch A Varela-Raynes G Hulme L Robinson Charity number (England and Wales) 1192916 Principal address Denton House Denton Drive Northwich Cheshire CW9 7LU Independent examiner Hall Livesey Brown HLB House 68 High Street Tarporley Cheshire CW6 0AT Bankers Barclays Bank Plc Leicester LE87 2BB The trustees’ report was approved by the Board of Trustees. ____________________ Karen Muncaster (Sep 25, 2025 09:51:26 GMT+1) ~~____________________~~ J Duff K Muncaster Trustee Trustee Date _______________ 11/09/25 Date _______________25/09/2025 Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 24 25 ## **DOWN SYNDROME CHESHIRE** ## INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ## TO THE TRUSTEES OF DOWN SYNDROME CHESHIRE I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Down Syndrome Cheshire (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2025. ## **Responsibilities and basis of report** As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011. I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011. ## **Independent examiner’s statement** Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of ACCA, which is one of the listed bodies. Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn. I understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Charities Act 2011. 2. the financial statements do not accord with those records; or 3. the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of financial statements set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached. ## Rebecca Ellams FCCA HLB House 68 High Street Tarporley Cheshire CW6 0AT Dated: _______________ Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 26 27 OOWN SYNDROME CHESHIRE IIOThS TO ￿ FWANCIAL STATEIIJENTII DOWN SYNDROME CHESHIRE BALANCE SHEET AS Af Ji MARCH 2025 13 li.f22 2322 14 4.131 224.37(1 1163.QHI iii.rj fjts.497 .717 .¥ 1%,075 10.141 19 28 Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 29 IKJTES TO THÉ F*IANCIAL STATEIAE•irs IcoirriMuÉD) A)R nlE YÉAR SNDÉO 31 MAACM 3026 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ICONTIILIED> FIIg THE YEAR ENDED 31 AIARCH 2023 a•25 2•25 30 Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 si NOTE S TO The FINANC￿ STATEIIENTS (CONnMueD) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AIARCH 202S IOTES TO ThE FINANCIAL $TATÉMeNTS (COMnMUEO) FLW THE YEAR ENDED 31 AIARCH 2025 X+29 8J210 IT2 4A3J 6.943 Ti 52Jl 1A 750 cwae. IT• isx 314.IllJ ).115 32 Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 33 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) F(Ag THE YEAR ENDED 31 IIARCH 2023 NOTES TO THE HMAMCIAL STATEMEIITS IGONTINUED) Foft THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARehl 2029 .011 7,•JT 14070 1.*74 3.573 Y*.9 ))JoT 31.7 J191 ?fft)1 7.•JT 102x1 19mJl 42YB 7ST 65 5373 aio,7t• 1071 >)¢.* 1W,121 34 Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 35 14QTE9 TO THE F￿ANCIAL sTATE￿NTS {CONTIMIEOI FOR THE YEAR E14DED 31 AfARCH 2025 IIOTES TO THE ANANCIAL 3TATÉMeNTg (COIfflMUeD FL* THE YEAR ENDED 31 IIARCH 2025 1•) Y.1(* 1&7490 I Jxrn 110.4¥J 117 7491 I￿.420 1 2024 IQ242 )1 U*4 179)) 1467 11241 X*.70J F• If if* YJ 411 Q•i.m) 38 Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 39 NOTES TO The FIWIC￿ STATEMeHTS (CONTIMueD) THE YEAR EPIDED 31 AIARCH 2025 ZV14 14&4>5 97.7 Tl.9 J• Yi XX.. 17A21 11&451 I3￿rj r Y aJ2¥J •S.497 40 Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024 42 Down Syndrome Cheshire Impact Report 2024