IN PICTURES: Foyle Down Syndrome Trust in Derry mark 30 years of changing lives

The big celebration brought together local families, staff, volunteers, and supporters to look back on three decades of dedicated service to the local Down syndrome community. Among the special guests was the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Grace Ui Niallais, who joined the charity to celebrate its incredible journey.

Guests enjoyed an evening packed with food and live entertainment, featuring Bubbletology, face painting by Annettie Spaghettie, magic from Parky the Magician, and brilliant musical performances from the Down Right Musical Trio and local favourites The Hitmen and Her.

The charity was originally set up by a small group of local parents who believed more could, and should, be done to help children with Down syndrome reach their full potential and take their rightful place in society.

Over the last 30 years, it has delivered thousands of hours of life-changing support, therapies, and educational programmes, helping hundreds of children and young people across the North West. Today, the Trust offers everything from one-to-one education, speech and language therapy, art therapy and music therapy, to social enterprise training, health, wellbeing and social programmes, and vital parent support services.

Reflecting on the charity's 30-year journey, the Trust manager, Christopher Cooper, said: “To grow from supporting just six children and a small office in the Waterside to becoming a vibrant hub of services for more than 130 families is an incredible achievement.

“This success has been made possible through the passion, determination and commitment of our founders, board of directors, funders, staff, volunteers and, most importantly, the families who have entrusted us to support their children over the past 30 years.”

Looking ahead to the future, Christoper added: “For 30 years, Foyle Down Syndrome Trust has been at the forefront of supporting individuals with Down Syndrome and their families, delivering life-changing interventions from birth onwards.

“As we look to the future, we remain committed to supporting more families, breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for our members to lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives as active participants in their communities.”

The Trust plans to continues its mission of empowering children and adults with Down syndrome across the North West for many years to come.