Downright Special is a charity that provides support in all aspects of the care and education of children with Down syndrome across Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire.

Before Downright Special was established in 2007 a baby born with Down syndrome in the area received no specialist help or support. Today, all of the maternity and neonatal wards across Hull and East Yorkshire are equipped with the charity’s New Parent Packs which provide vital information and support, and parents of newborn babies are welcomed into their Special Friday groups from the week the baby is born. Weekly play and education sessions are run for babies and children, their specialist teachers provide an outreach service to local schools and nurseries, and they run regular, inclusive social events for children and their families. In addition, they work closely with the local NHS to improve the healthcare of the children.

Downright Special exists to ensure parents and families of children with Down syndrome are better able to support their children and young people to feel integrated into society, more confident and less isolated. Also to ensure that families, schools and health professionals have high expectations for children with Down syndrome and work together to ensure that the children can achieve the best outcomes in life. They aim to build a brighter future for children with Down syndrome, supporting them to achieve their full potential and promoting their successful inclusion in all aspects of life.

The BWCF have been very pleased to support Downright Special with a grant of £8,000 per year for three years to help them provide the wide range of services that are vitally important to these children.