AN EDUCATIONAL lifeline has been set up in South Lakeland for children with Down’s syndrome.

The Up Up and Away group in Kendal, the first of its kind in the North West, aims to give children with Down’s syndrome much-needed help with learning to set them up for school and later life.

Founder Debbie Austin, of Kendal, said: “This is an early years’ education group which I set up because when my five-year-old daughter was born I had to travel to Portsmouth to get advice on how best to support her.”

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“We don’t have weekly services in south Cumbria and the nearest groups like this are in Hexham and Darlington.”

At their first meeting last week at Kendal West Children’s Centre, the group had nine youngsters attending.

“My drive comes through frustration as my daughter missed out and I don’t want anyone else to,” added Ms Austin.

Beth Broomby, of Kendal, whose 19-month-old daughter Esme has Down’s syndrome, said: “Early years’ support is really important.

“This group is going to stop that immense feeling of guilt and stress that she’s not getting the best chance in life.

“I have an older child who learned things instinctively but Esme needs to be taught everything and she’s a clever girl.

“She shouldn’t suffer because of where we live.”

A team of professional volunteers including a language and disability nurse, a speech and language therapist and a supporting educational psychologist will deliver fortnightly sessions focusing on speech, language and motor skills.

The group also has the support of Professor Sue Buckley OBE, a director of research at Down Syndrome Education International, whose offices are based in Kirkby Lonsdale.

Ms Buckley said: “Early intervention is hugely important and children with Down’s syndrome have strengths and weaknesses – their language is delayed but they can understand signs.

“I have an adopted 44-year-old daughter with Down’s syndrome and we knew none of this when she was a baby.”

Emma Roberts, of Lancaster, was also there with her one-year-old son Corin.

“It’s incredible and we’ve been wanting it to happen for a long time,” she said.

“As parents it’s really hard to set something up ourselves.”

For more information about Up Up and Away contact Ms Austin on 07815718548 or debsdidi@hotmail.co.uk