Our Achivements
See what SUNDOWNS have recieved recognition for our hard work...
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Our Mission Statement :
To support people with Downs Syndrome and their families and to raise awareness of the positive contribution people with downs syndrome make to society.
The charity Sundowns was formed as a result of a small group of mums, who all
had a baby who had Downs syndrome, meeting at the Toy Library and Resource Centre,
which is based in Birkenhead.
We found it comfortable to be in the company of others who had been through the life changing experience of having a baby who has Downs syndrome.
Through the group we're able to offer each other advice and support through anxious or low periods. We would often talk, and still do, about how difficult it is to reconcile your emotions and come to terms with the diagnosis. We decided, as a group, that it was important to offer the same support to other mums as we believe that the opportunity to talk to someone who has been through the same experience can stop you from feeling isolated and alone.
As parents first and members of Sundowns second we strongly believe in taking a
positive attitude towards our childrens future. The last 15 to 20 years have seen
great changes in peoples attitudes towards the education of children with Downs
syndrome and the acceptance of young adults in the work place. We feel that we owe it to the parents who were fundamental in
making those changes happen, not to settle for what has already been achieved but
to continue to push the boundaries further.
We also feel that we have a responsibility to help the older generation of adults who have not been given the same opportunities afforded to our children and the generations to come.
Most importantly we believe that no one should have to cope with the practicalities and emotions of raising a child who has Downs syndrome on their own.
Our Awards & Acheivements
Queens Award for Voluntary Service
In 2004 SUNDOWNS was awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service, the only group on the Wirral to receive this
prestigious award, and one of only 10 awarded throughout the North West.
In July the four founding trustees travelled to London for a reception held at St James palace by the Queen and
Duke of Edinburgh.
In August SUNDOWNS held a champagne reception to celebrate the award and to officially open the charity office in
Hamilton Square.
The reception was attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, the Mayor of Wirral, professionals
and members of SUNDOWNS
DADAFEST Award Winners 2005
In December 2005 three of the SUNDOWNS trustees attended the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool where the charity was
awarded The Community Arts Group for its Art Day Project.
Merseyside Women of the year awards 2006
Merseyside Women of the year awards 2006
On 09/06/06 Lisa Masters & Jane Asterley attended the Crowne Plaza, Liverpool as nominees of Women
of the year awards 2006.
Lisa & Jane had been nominated for their work with SUNDOWNS and been chosen as winners of the "Women's Group".
Community Legal System Quality Mark
Volunteer of the Year specialist Group 2002