Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week is 16-22 March 2026. To mark this Down’s Syndrome Scotland share how they support parents and families following diagnosis, and resources available to midwives and maternity units. They invite us to #TakeAStepForward and celebrate the value and contribution of people with Down’s syndrome to Scottish life.
Down’s Syndrome Scotland are here from the beginning through every age and stage. We know that every person with Down’s syndrome is a unique individual full of potential. We are the only Scottish Charity dedicated solely to providing ‘all-through life’ support for individuals with Down’s syndrome and their parents, carers and families nationally across Scotland through our regionally based specialist Family Support Team. Our support team are here to help midwives, health visitors, community nurses and other health and social care staff in supporting new and expectant parents through screening, hearing the news, and the early years of having a child with Down’s syndrome. We offer support in person, online, by email and phone. We also offer teaching sessions delivered online, by our Family Support team along with parent speakers.
Supporting expectant and new parents with real lived experience of having a baby with Down’s syndrome is a key part of our work. We are here to provide expectant and new parents with information they need, answer questions and support with worries or concerns they may have and connect parents to parents in Scotland. We have been supporting families for over 40 years and with 10 local branches across Scotland and have a vibrant community that new families are very welcome to be part of. New parents tell us they feel shocked and scared about what the future holds when they first hear their baby may
have/has Down’s syndrome. We know that how this news is shared, the language used, and the information and support they receive contributes to those feelings and can affect their acceptance of the baby’s condition and positive bonding with them.
“My tiny, fragile baby has become the bravest Superman ever.
Everything I’d imagined about being a first-time mum did happen… my joy, excitement and all the love that comes with that.
It’s hard not to think ahead – wondering what kind of life my son will have. But I chose to focus on each day as it comes.
I love every single day with just me and my boy. He’ll do anything he wants to – in his own time and with his mummy by his side and with the support of Down’s Syndrome Scotland, the sky is the limit.”
Lynsey Bayne -Yetre (Mum to Ayaz)
We provide free baby packs to all midwifery and health care settings to support new parents and we gift a welcome baby basket to all new parents who contact the organisation.
Did you know that Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week is 16-22 March? We invite you to #TakeAStepForward and celebrate the value and contribution of people with Down’s syndrome to Scottish life.
We still have a lot to do in tackling discrimination and prejudice if we are to create truly equal opportunities for everyone living with an extra chromosome.
To get involved in making a change by raising awareness and funds, check out the rest of our website here.
March 2026