The Trust’s support for its charity, Rochdale DS All Stars, was extended today as we joined the families who attended the consultation event to discuss the implications and benefits of the Down Syndrome Act 2022. To make something work, it’s important to share views with others and ask questions to better understand what the 2022 act means.
From a Daletrust perspective, it was pleasing to interact with the attendees, listen to their concerns, and hear about the positives the act has brought them. It’s clear from today’s consultation event that this format is popular. Sharing experiences and listening to others in an informal but “planned” setting works well.
For us at Daletrust, it was a further opportunity to appreciate how valuable our support is and to better understand the difficulties that DS can bring. Above all, though, was meeting some pretty amazing people and hearing great stories from some of the children who made the afternoon fun.
Sport, especially football, was a key topic, notably since the meeting was held in the 1907 Lounge at the Dale, and we saw the pitch (sneak pic below) for the first time since the turf was laid. Youngsters’ interest in sport not only offers social benefits but also aids physical development, which we supported through our donation to winter football activities organised by the RAFC Community Trust.
Spreading the word about Rochdale AFC to new people, sharing the community spirit being fostered, will, we hope, bring people to the COA, ideally on a regular basis, but given the locality, occasional visits will do just fine.
But back to today, and we extend our thanks to Down’s Syndrome East Lancashire, especially to the chair of trustees, Rachael Shatliff, who took the time to explain how her support group works and the challenges it brings. Moving forward, it’s clear that their objectives are similar to those of the All Stars, and we are looking forward to possible future collaboration with her, along with our friend and the secretary of the Rochdale All Stars, Emma Lambert.
Along with Rachael from DS East Lancashire, thanks also go to Julie Duff. Their hard work in 
bringing the event together was indeed a success. They were ably supported by a fabulous set of volunteers, and a special mention goes to Rochdale AFC for hosting the event in their refurbished 1907 lounge. Last, but certainly not least, thanks must go to MP Paul Waugh for accepting the Trust’s invitation to the event and for making time to come down and hear views and opinions in readiness for the upcoming APPG meeting.
For those who weren’t able to come down today but want to share their views, there will be a chance to either catch up with Emma Lambert at the regular All Stars football on Tuesday – she will have some paper forms to go through – or, if you prefer, she can send you some background information and a link to submit feedback online.
If anyone has any questions, please do shout out to Emma at emma@rdallstars.co.uk
Usfull Contact Details/Information
Rachael Shatcliff-East Lancashire Down Syndrome Support Group. chair@eastlancsds.com
Emma Lambert.Secretary, Rochdale DS All Stars. emma@rdallstars.co.uk
Down Syndrome Act 2022- Information
The Down Syndrome Association.
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Postscript for those who asked. Yes, we did see the new pitch. Here’s a sneak peek taken during the forum today.
