Generous donation for youth club

A YOUTH and dance club aimed at children and teenagers with Down’s Syndrome has been given £600.

Founded in 2011 in Macclesfield, the Saturday Club provides opportunities for five to 16 year olds with Down’s Syndrome to develop confidence, communication and social skills and friendships.

Based at Elim Church on Parsonage Street, Macclesfield, the monthly club was formed by three parents of children with Down’s Syndrome after they found that there weren’t enough appropriate activities or opportunities for young people with learning disabilities to develop vital and long-lasting friendships outside of the family home.

The money was donated by Equilibrium Asset Management, based in Wilmslow.

Heidi Reid, one of the founders, said: “We are ever so grateful to Equilibrium and the generosity they have shown towards Saturday Club by donating £50 a month.The funds have been well received and our youngsters are benefitting tremendously from the sessions that the funds allow us to put on.”

She added: “We set up Saturday Club in 2011 and it has gone from strength to strength as a group.

“As parents of children with Down’s Syndrome we know the importance of friendships and social opportunities as they promote positive mental health in people with learning disabilities.

“Our young people and their siblings attend the group once a month and have a fantastic time engaging in indoor sports, circus skills, chocolate making, singing, street dance, drama, learning about exotic animals and baking.”

Debbie Jukes, Partner and head of client care at Equilibrium, said: “The Saturday Club is a fantastic group and one we’re proud to have made donations to. We’re pleased that Heidi, Dawn and Anna have used the funds to pay for session providers and that youngsters are enjoying it also.”