A local Down’s syndrome support group ‘Little Rascals’ has celebrated 10 years of helping families throughout Lanarkshire.
Little Rascals is a therapy and support group for pre-school children with Down’s syndrome.
The group is co-ordinated by NHS Lanarkshire speech and language therapist, Christine Paterson, and physiotherapist Julie O’Donoghue - with help from Christine McCabe from North Lanarkshire Council’s Pre-5 Learning Support.
Christine Paterson said: “Little Rascals aims to encourage children’s communication, interaction, physical and play development as well as providing information and support to the parents.
“A typical session always involves lots of singing and action songs. Many families say that the group really has benefited them.”
The group runs for eight weeks at a time and is open to children under five throughout Lanarkshire.
Little Rascals always has a theme to each eight week session and, in the second half of the group, parents get a chance to go for a coffee and chat while the children get a snack and more activities.
External speakers are also invited along to give parents information on a variety of subjects.
One parent, who attends the group, commented: “There is a good balance between time for parents and time for the children.
“This is a really good group which, as a parent, I have gained more confidence with my child and I have got to meet other parents in the same situation.”
The Christine added: “The anniversary recognised the hard work and commitment put in by the staff at Little Rascals and to celebrate the support the group has given parents in Lanarkshire for the last ten years.”
If you would like more information about Little Rascals then please contact Julie O’Donoghue on: 01236 707743 or Christine Paterson on: 01236 707731.