Back to Routine: Your Autumn at a Glance
Back to School, Back to 21 Together
As the new academic year begins, we’d like to wish all the children and young people in our community the very best for the year ahead. Whether they’re starting a new school, moving into a new year group or settling back into familiar surroundings, we hope their transitions go smoothly and that the new routines quickly start to feel familiar. Just a reminder, our Education Team offers outreach support to schools, including advice, guidance and practical support for staff working with children and young people with Down’s syndrome. We’re also looking forward to welcoming our community back to our groups after the summer break, reconnecting with familiar faces and continuing to support children, young people and families throughout the year ahead. 💙
We’d also like to remind families that our Communication Groups and S-Club services support children and young people from birth through to age 25. We currently have spaces available across some of our groups, providing valuable opportunities to build communication, confidence, friendships and independence. If you know a family who might benefit from our support, please do pass this on.
What’s On?
Join us on Friday 9 October as we celebrate 10 incredible years of 21 Together with a spectacular black-tie Gala inspired by The Greatest Showman. Enjoy a welcome drink, three-course meal, table drinks package, live entertainment, dancing, raffle and auctions, all hosted by special guest MC Steve Walls. Tickets are £85 per person or £800 for a table of 10, with all proceeds helping to support the continued work of 21 Together.
💙 Come and celebrate 10 years of impact — and help us build the next 10.
Community and Training
Join us on Monday 21 September, 10am–12pm at Riverside Country Park for a relaxed morning of coffee, conversation and connection. Whether you’re new to 21 Together or a familiar face, it’s a chance to meet other families, share experiences and build friendships in a friendly, informal setting. Alex and Ellie will also be there to answer questions and offer support. There will be more community coffee mornings coming up in October and November. If you’d like to join us, please register.
This training, delivered by Inclusively Down on Wednesday 14 October, is open to Kent-based parents, carers and professionals supporting children with Down’s syndrome. Combining online learning with an in-person session, the course explores inclusive practice, literacy, reading and accessing the curriculum, with practical strategies to support children to learn and thrive. Places cost £20 for parents/carers and £80 for professionals.
Half Term Plans
We’re excited to be launching our brand new Holiday Clubs this October half term, running Tuesday 27th – Friday 30th October, 9:30am–3:30pm, for children aged 4–12. Think Sports Club meets Speech Club, bringing together fun, active activities with opportunities to develop communication and social skills. We’ll be sharing more details very soon, so watch this space! 👀💙
New dates for Makaton Training
We’re pleased to offer Makaton Level One Training on Wednesday 21st October, led by our own Makaton Tutor Trina Pollard. Open to parents, carers, and professionals in Kent who have no experience in Makaton. This full-day session runs from 9:30am–3:30pm at Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel, Ashford Road, Hollingbourne, Maidstone, Kent ME17 1RE. A course manual and certificate are included in the ticket price. Cost: £40 for parents/carers and £80 for professionals.
Join our Makaton Tutor, Trina Pollard, for Level Two Makaton Training on Wednesday 11 November, from 9:30am–3:30pm at the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel. Open to anyone in Kent who cares for or works directly with a child or young person with Down’s syndrome, the course builds on Level One and introduces further signs, symbols and vocabulary to support communication. Level One must have been completed before attending. Places cost £40 for parents/carers and £80 for professionals.
Put your general knowledge to the test on Friday 20 November at the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel, with arrival from 6:30pm for a 7:30pm start. Hosted by Phill Thorne of Whizzdom Quizzes, the evening will feature 10 rounds of quiz action, games, prizes and plenty of opportunities to have fun with friends — all while raising vital funds to support children and young people with Down’s syndrome across Kent. Teams of 6 are £40, or £8 per person, and solo bookings can be matched with a team. Bring your own table nibbles and get ready for a fun night with a purpose!