Up & Downs
Charity 1159107
http://upanddownswm.weebly.com
Overview
Summary
Up & Downs appears to be a locally rooted, family-centred organisation whose role extends beyond practical support for children with Down's syndrome. Its regular gatherings, inclusive activities and signposting suggest it functions as a social bridge: helping families access information while reducing isolation and creating shared experience across different ages. Its affiliation with the Down's Syndrome Association may connect this local mutual-support model to wider specialist knowledge.
Operational geography
Coverage: Regional
Operational areas:
Evidence and reasoning
Supporting evidence
Remaining uncertainties
- The Charity Commission records Birmingham City as an area in which the charity operates, but the current evidence does not identify a Birmingham venue, ward, recognised place, or recurring service location. It would therefore be unsupported to assign the organisation to any supplied Birmingham area.
- The charity's current operational base for regular in-person activity appears to be a studio provided through Art In Motion Dance Academy in Cradley Heath, which is outside Birmingham. The Halesowen registered address is identified as the charity's principal address in its annual report, but the evidence does not establish that it is a delivery site.
- The annual report refers to activities involving the Birmingham Harley-Davidson Group, but does not state where the Easter Egg Ride occurred; this is insufficient evidence of a Birmingham operational site or area.
- The Downs Syndrome Association affiliation and local partnerships extend access to information, activities and support, but the available evidence does not show that they create a fixed or ongoing Birmingham delivery footprint.
Additional evidence needed
- Current event listings or booking information stating the venues of monthly meetings, play activities, workshops and social events.
- Confirmation from the organisation of whether it currently runs regular services or outreach in Birmingham, and, if so, the relevant wards or venues.
- A current service or impact report identifying the geographic distribution of delivery locations, rather than only the residence area of participating families.
Areas of work
- Disability
Who they help
- Children/young People
- People With Disabilities
How they help
- Provides Advocacy/advice/information
- Provides Services
Discoveries involving this organisation
The Atlas has not published any Discoveries involving this organisation yet.
Observations
A family network, not only a children’s service
The available evidence suggests that Up & Downs treats the family, including siblings, as part of the support need rather than focusing solely on the child with Down's syndrome.
Why it matters
This indicates that its distinctive contribution may be peer connection and family resilience, which can complement more formal education, health or disability services.
Show evidence
“The group holds monthly meetings for children with Downs Syndrome of all ages and their families, including siblings.”
Source:Organisation“The charity helps children/young people and people with disabilities.”
Source:Charity Commission
Regular contact appears central to its operating model
Monthly meetings and recurring social, play, communication and learning activities suggest that Up & Downs is organised around sustained relationships rather than one-off advice.
Why it matters
This helps explain how the organisation may create trust and continuity for families navigating changing needs over time.
Show evidence
“The group holds monthly meetings.”
Source:Organisation“The website includes Communication Play and Stay, Makaton Courses, Singing Hands and forthcoming social events.”
Source:Organisation
It may act as a local gateway to wider support
The combination of advice signposting and affiliation with the Down's Syndrome Association suggests a bridging role between West Midlands families and broader specialist support.
Why it matters
This may make the organisation especially valuable where families need trusted orientation as well as local social connection.
Show evidence
“The group is affiliated with the Downs Syndrome Association.”
Source:Organisation“The website provides details of organisations that can support families with advice, encouragement or a chat.”
Source:Organisation
- The scale, geographic reach and demographic mix of participating families are unknown.
- It is unclear which activities are volunteer-led, professionally delivered or delivered with partner organisations.
- There is no evidence of outcomes, unmet needs or barriers to participation.
Remaining uncertainties
- Information on attendance, membership, waiting lists and the areas families travel from.
- Details of delivery partners, volunteer capacity, funding and safeguarding arrangements.
- Feedback from families on the support they value and needs not currently met.
Additional evidence needed
Charity Commission profile
Activities
Up and Downs is a friendly support group, supporting children with Downs Syndrome and their families based in the West Midlands. The group is affiliated with the Downs Syndrome Association. The group holds monthly meetings for children with Downs Syndrome of all ages and their families, including siblings. The group has been welcoming new families for several years.
Charity objects
THE RELIEF OF THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE WITH DOWN'S SYNDROME BY THE PROVISION FOR SUCH PEOPLE OF FACILITIES, SERVICES AND OPPORTUNITIES THAT WILL MAXIMISE THEIR PARTICIPATION IN SOCIETY THEIR EDUCATION AND ANY OTHER CHARITABLE PURPOSES CONNECTED WITH DOWN'S SYNDROME WITHIN THE AREA OF BENEFIT.