Life-changing Derry Down Syndrome charity celebrates its 21st birthday

The Foyle Down Syndrome Trust is celebrating its 21st birthday and the babies the group was founded for have now blossomed into young adults. In 1995 a group of Derry parents whose children had Down Syndrome got together to encourage and enable their children to live full, independent and productive lives Iris McDaid says Foyle Down Syndrome Trust has since become a ‘lifeline’ for both her and her daughter Kathy Coyle, who is now a confident and chatty 21-year-old. “We met at the start and said lets look at solutions and what we can do for our problems,” she explained. “It’s been great for the parents because you feel you are on your own. “You were able to ask each other ‘is your wee one doing this or that’.” The first thing the Trust established was an early intervention programme and the activities of the charity grew from there. With the support of FDST and her family Kathy attended main stream schools and excelled at languages, winning a cup for French during her time at St Mary’s College. “When the group was set up most children with Down Syndrome would have gone to a special school but a lot of the members of the 20+ group have attended main stream primary and secondary schools,” explained Christopher Cooper, Health and Wellbeing Development Officer. “I don’t see the Downs,” continued Ms McDaid. “I always say it’s not a disability, it’s just a different ability. “They just need that bit more help. “FDST has made a tremendous difference in all their lives “They’ve done great things over the years- fun things, but they are always learning.” Ms McDaid said her daughter has made life long friends through FDST. “They are all friends and they are always here for each other. “They do very much look out for each other “Kathy just lives for the group- it’s a life line for her and for me. “It gives the parents a wee bit of a break too. The 20+ Group meets four times a week, and a quick chat with the members of the group reveals they pack plenty in during that time. Their days at the FDST are spent doing cooking, dancing, walks, crafts, drama, history projects and sports. On a Saturday the 20+ Group learn about things that will help them live more independent lives, with life skills coach Eamon Nugent. “The group decide for themselves where they will go and what they will do. “It’s very much led by the young people themselves,” said Mr Nugent. But as well as having fun, the group learn things to help them be more independent, such as cookery and road safety. “They are made to feel like the adults they are,” said Ms McDaid. “They all love coming here- you have to drag them out.”

The members of the 20+ group have all taken swimming lesson with The Trust and many now swim on a competitive level. Group member Brendan Diver was even chosen for the Special Olympics team. “I enjoy the swimming,” said Liam Craig, 24 of the 20+ Programme. “We go to Belfast and Dublin to compete and we are all very good swimmers.” Group member Laura Duddy, 28, is a talented horse rider. “I’ve been going to Lenamore stables for about eight years now and I love it,” she said. The highlight of the group’s year is there annual five day trip away and they have already visited London and Birmingham. This year they are going to Manchester for five days and will have a typically busy programme of activities planned. “I love going on days out,” said Kathy. “We’re all going to Manchester in March and we are going to do a zipline and visit Chester Zoo and do indoor sky diving.” “I’ve been coming here since I was one,” added keen dancer Emma Diver. “We’re all great friends.”