Down’s Syndrome playgroup opens its doors in Stirling

A new playgroup has been set up for parents and carers of children with Down’s Syndrome.

The Stirling Down’s Syndrome Parent and Toddler Playgroup has been set up for children under five with the syndrome.

One mum, Elaine Tipple, who takes her two-year-old son Liam to the group, said: “It has been set up for parents and carers of children with Down’s Syndrome (prefives at the moment) to help plug the geographical gap not currently covered by other groups for children with Down’s in the Stirling, Clackmannanshire and surrounding areas.

“The aim is to allow the wee ones to play and, maybe more importantly, for parents to chat, exchange experiences, tips/ideas and, hopefully, going forward a chance to catch up informally with professionals such as speech therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and other guest speakers/ experts.”

The playgroup runs on the first Wednesday of each month between 12.30pm and 2.30pm at Bannockburn Community Centre (behind McQs). The next playgroup is today, Wednesday, November 1.

Elaine added: “We would like to thank all those who have generously donated toys, gift vouchers, money and their time.

“They include Tesco Stirling and Dunblane, M&S Dunblane, Homebase Stirling, Cisco’s Crockery, SEPA Tuck Shop, Down’s Syndrome Scotland Central Branch, McDonalds Stirling, the ASN team at Stirling Council, Down’s Syndrome Scotland and all the parents and carers.”

The playgroup has also been added to the list of charities which could benefit from the Stirling Observer Give A Gift Appeal.