Downright Special is a locally based charity whose main aim is to assist families and professionals in the Hull and East Yorkshire region in the care and education of children with Down syndrome. Who are we? Originally started by a group of parents in 2007, we set out to provide vital support to each other and any other new parents who had children with Down syndrome. This quickly developed into an organised group giving emotional, practical and educational support to families. Downright Special has been a registered charity since 2009 and is run by a team of professionally trained volunteers. What do we do? We visit families in their homes to offer support We run a weekly group session, providing education, fun and play as well as support to parents and carers. We share best practice teaching techniques with teaching assistants. We provide specialist resource packs for children starting school. We run a baby group for children under two. We provide conferences and training for parents and professionals. We promote the awareness of Down syndrome and encourage successful inclusion. We hold social events for the whole family We are the only specialist organisation in the region that delivers all these services; without us there would be little or no support.