This Downs Syndrome Awareness Month, we’ve spoken with some of our collaborators and patrons, and would like to shine the spotlight on their work and focus areas.

For a whole year since last Down Syndrome Awareness Month, the Downs Syndrome Research Foundation UK has been advocating strongly against the Assisted Dying Bill. If this Bill succeeds, it’s likely to bring about a fundamental change in the UK healthcare system, with negative impact for the Downs syndrome community. It has been important to address these concerns with the urgency this requires.

The good news is that no matter the concern, there are often far better alternatives available for people with Downs syndrome. Awareness of alternative options matters. The roads marked out on our map will influence the destination we are likely to arrive at.

We believe there are usually better choices to support healthy lives and appropriate care for people with Down syndrome than most people are conscious of. Even healthcare professionals often lack information about the most recent research and fresh possibilities for treatments and interventions. It’s part of our mission to put those pathways on the map and make sure people know about them.

This Downs Syndrome Awareness Month, we continue to spread awareness of two facts: first, that the human rights of people with Downs syndrome need to be protected; and second, that there are excellent further steps we can take to support every individual with Trisomy 21 to thrive and fulfil their potential.

In the Downs syndrome community, self-advocates, researchers, health professionals and carers are expressing what they think is really needed in the NHS and in UK healthcare at this time. It’s not the introduction of an Assisted Dying Bill.

Until the end of October, we’ll highlight some areas where better research and better interventions bring support and hope, and pave the way towards a full, healthy, and happy life for people with Down syndrome.