CHESHIRE CHARITY PRAISE HISTORIC DOWN SYNDROME BILL

Tuesday, 30 November 2021 13:43

A Bill focused on improving the lives of those living with Down syndrome has been praised by the CEO of local charity, Down Syndrome Cheshire.

The Down Syndrome Bill has been introduced by Dr Liam Fox and looks set to become law after clearing its first Commons hurdle on 26^th November when the Government announced it will support it.

The Down Syndrome Bill would mean the establishment of a Down Syndrome Act which will be the first of its kind in the world. The Act would improve the provision and outcomes for all those living with Down syndrome in England encompassing maternity care, education, health & social care and employment.

Down Syndrome Cheshire currently supports in the region of 250 people who have Down syndrome in the county to live the life they choose. The charity provides advice, information, education advocacy, peer support, speech therapy, friendship groups and training as well as helping families and informing the wider community about Down Syndrome.

CEO of Down Syndrome Cheshire, Lawrence Caygill, comments,

“The advancement of this Bill and the recommendation by Government to support it is a giant leap forward for those who have Down Syndrome. Everyone has a right to fair and equal opportunities so that they can live the life they choose. For too long now the provision and outcomes for people living with Down Syndrome have been inadequate. Our members are individuals who have so much to contribute to society and many want to work, have relationships and active social lives. The establishment of a Down Syndrome Act will hold services and employers to account to ensure they’re operating in a fair and inclusive manner.”

The charity is supportive of the National Down Syndrome Policy Group (NDSPG) that has launched a campaign in support for the Bill. The ‘Stand Up for Down Syndrome’ campaign includes a Change.org petition which has attracted the signatures of 30,400 people with Down syndrome, their families and supporters.

Campaigners are calling for the Bill to receive Royal Assent before World Down Syndrome Day on 21^st March 2022.

Pictured - Members of Down Syndrome Cheshire enjoying a social event.

More from Local News

Closure order granted for property in Northwich

A property in Northwich which was reported to have been involved in anti-social behaviour has been closed by police.
Latest figures show crime in Cheshire continues to fall

New figures released by the Office for National Statistics show that Cheshire continues to be one of the safest places across England and Wales.
LOCAL MP CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION TO ADDRESS HOSPICE FUNDING INEQUALITY

Edward Timpson, MP for Eddisbury, has raised concerns about the funding situation for hospices in Cheshire, highlighting in particular the challenges faced by St Luke's Hospice.
Appeal for witnesses following collision in Crewe

Officers investigating a collision in Crewe are appealing for any witnesses to get in touch with them.
Appeal for information following serious collision in Holmes Chapel

Police are appealing for witnesses and video footage following a serious collision in Holmes Chapel.
North West rail improvements planned this May Bank Holiday

Passengers travelling on the West Coast main line and North West rail routes are being advised to check before they travel ahead of important railway upgrades over the early May Bank Holiday.
Nantwich Food Festival invites new volunteers to special event

The Nantwich Food Festival is organised and run by volunteers, however some of the usual volunteers are no longer able to help because of their changing circumstances. Their invaluable work still needs to be done, so the Festival is now asking anyone who may be interested in volunteering to step forward.
Poppy dresses like her NHS receptionist mum for hero-themed fundraiser

An NHS receptionist told how her ‘heart melted’ when daughter Poppy chose to dress in her mum’s work outfit for a hero-themed school fundraiser.
Woman charged following assault in Crewe

Officers investigating an assault in Crewe have charged a woman in relation to the incident.
Northwich man charged with supplying illegal drugs

Officers from Northwich Local Policing Unit have charged a man in connection with the supply of illegal drugs in the town.
White Ribbon Talk at Breakfast Group

Congleton Town Council’s White Ribbon Ambassador Jonathan Dakin joined the All Saints Parish Breakfast Group at St John’s recently to give a talk about the White Ribbon campaign.
Prolific offender ordered to adhere to three-year Criminal Behaviour Order

A prolific shoplifter from Crewe has been banned from entering a number of convenience stores across the town as part of efforts to tackle his offending.
Cheshire firefighters to deliver vital vehicles and equipment for Ukrainian firefighters

Three fire engines and a midi fire engine, donated by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, join the largest UK fire and rescue convoy yet, delivering vital vehicles and equipment for Ukrainian firefighters
Winsford man jailed for county lines drug dealing

A county lines drug dealer has been jailed following an investigation by detectives from Northwich Proactive Policing Team.
Man jailed after sharing intimate and private images of woman

A man who shared intimate and private images of a woman which had been taken nearly two decades ago has been jailed.
Man charged with shoplifting offences in Crewe and Shavington

Officers from Crewe Local Policing Unit have charged a man in connection with a number of shoplifting offences in Crewe and Shavington.
Cheshire Constabulary dispels myth on ‘typical’ stalker

Video

Cheshire Constabulary is dispelling the myth around a ‘typical stalker’ in a bid to raise awareness on what stalking is and keep people safe.
Cheshire man jailed after threatening to kill judge and prison governors

A man who threatened to kill a Chester Crown Court Judge and three Prisoner Governors has been jailed.
Man charged following robbery in Crewe

Officers investigating a robbery at a betting shop in Crewe have charged a man in relation to the incident.
Keep in the picture and have your say on 2nd May

People are being urged to remember their photo ID when they vote on 2nd May.