Sunshine & Smiles is a registered charity that provides a support network in Leeds for children and young people who have Down syndrome and their families.
We set up in 2011 as a small group offering support in the city and became an official charity in 2013. We are the only specific support network in Leeds and fulfil a vital role in the community.
The Leeds Down Syndrome Support Network is parent led and overseen by a team of four trustees.
Our work
We aim to improve the lives and opportunities for children and young people with Down syndrome.
We offer speech and language therapy, regular groups and activities, individual support and advocacy for families, as well as raising awareness and challenging preconceptions in the wider community.
We are able to achieve this by establishing links with hospitals, health and education professionals and connecting with other related charities.
“Sunshine & Smiles was the first group we accessed after our son was born. We were made so welcome and the sessions have had a positive impact on our son’s development along with providing an invaluable information resource and support network.” – Nicola & Alfie
"The support from this charity has been invaluable. Speech has always been an issue for Louise, she has always had delayed language skills. It was always difficult to have access to a speech and language therapist during her school years. Now, thanks to Sunshine and Smiles she has monthly speech and language sessions. Louise has benefited greatly from Sunshine and Smiles and we have too as parents knowing she is improving all the time in a very safe and caring environment." - Maxine
"Without the sign language lessons that Sunshine & Smiles provide we might know what our daughter is trying to communicate, it's just wonderful." - Donna & Danny