Creating Calm and Community in One Space
Since its formation as a local parent’s support group over 50 years ago, the Down’s Syndrome Association has developed into a highly regarded national charity providing support to people who have Down’s syndrome, and their families and carers, throughout their lives.
Its head office – Langdon Down Centre in Teddington – is of vital importance both nationally and locally and thousands go through its doors each year.
It’s a nationwide destination for families of children that have Down’s syndrome, who can travel many miles to access specialist support, advice and services. But it’s also a local community hub for groups and organisations and even hosts theatre performances in the on-site theatre.
“We could immediately see how our grants would have a massive impact,” said Jeannie Pitt, B&Q Foundation Manager. “By transforming a space for a specialist service and creating a bright and welcoming kitchen for the facility, the grants would benefit not just the DSA and its families, but the whole community.”
Calm and Comfortable Spaces
A grant of £5000 was given to upgrade the room used for the UK’s only Speech and Language Assessment for babies, children and young people that have Down’s syndrome. Families can travel from far and wide for a two-hour assessment which guides next steps and life choices, so it’s vital the appointment runs smoothly and without stress or distraction. Our grant has created a calm and comfortable space. The room’s been enhanced with better lighting, painting, decorating, bespoke storage solutions and specialist seating to support every age. All of these make it a much better environment for a relaxed assessment for both parent and child.
Welcoming Community Places
The kitchen refurbishment has turned a sad space into a wow place. The £5000 grant has been used to fund new units, flooring and lighting which make it sleek, modern and easy to maintain. A real asset for the community groups, the kitchen helps to provide a warm welcome and hospitality to the numerous visitors to Langdon Down.
“The two grants that the B&Q Foundation have made to the Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA) have transformed key parts of the Langdon Down Centre. Our refurbished kitchen, which is integral to the functioning of the centre as a community hub, has a new lease of life and the Speech and Language assessment room has been completely rejuvenated. It’s now a warm and welcoming space for the children and young people who come to the centre for assessments, as well as for their parents. We greatly appreciate and value the contribution that the B&Q Foundation has made to the work of the charity.” said Carol Boys, Chief Executive, DSA.
