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Little Lotto is a fantastic way to help us and you might WIN as well.

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Ups and Downs Southwest is a Down Syndrome support charity serving children and young people, their parents/carers and all linked professionals dealing with the health and education of children and young people who have Down Syndrome.

Somerset Office

Our head office is based in Somerset and from here we cover, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, North Somerset and Wiltshire.

Bristol Office

For families and professionals in the Bristol area, we have a dedicated team based at The Park Centre, Knowle.

Right Pear Take on the Bristol Half

Right Pear Take on the Bristol Half

Right Pear Take on the Bristol Half for Ups and Downs SouthwestAn inspiring Charity of the Year partnership in action We are incredibly grateful to Jonny and Giles of Right Pear for their fantastic support as part of their Charity of the Year partnership with Ups and...

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Sensory Jewellery WsM Youth Club

Sensory Jewellery WsM Youth Club

Sensory Jewellery Fun at Weston super Mare Youth Club! We had a fantastic time getting creative at Weston Youth Club with a sensory jewellery-making session full of colour, conversation, and connection. It was a pleasure to welcome Abbi Lee from Oojamabobs, who led...

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Easter Fun at WsM Youth Club

Easter Fun at WsM Youth Club

We had an Eggs’tra special time at Weston-super-Mare Youth Club this Tuesday The energy was buzzing, the creativity flowing, and the Easter vibes were in full swing! Kicking off the session, we got hands-on with Makaton, learning the signs for Easter, eggs, and, of...

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Little Lotto Winners March 2025

Little Lotto Winners March 2025

  Congratulations to our Little Lotto Winners March 2025   Well done to our latest winners in the Ups and Downs Southwest Little Lotto 50/50 Club. You could be in for a chance of winning in the next draw by signing up below.

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Easter Egg Art

Easter Egg Art

Easter Egg Art and Song at Sherborne Youth Club At Sherborne Youth Club, we recently enjoyed a vibrant, engaging evening filled with creativity and music. Our Easter-themed session began with a hands-on egg painting activity, encouraging our young members to express...

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Abstract Canvasses

Abstract Canvasses

The young people at Weston-super-Mare Youth Club had an unforgettable time unleashing their creativity through abstract art. The session was alive with energy as they explored different artistic techniques, transforming blank canvases into vibrant masterpieces. Using...

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Little Lotto Winners February 2025

Little Lotto Winners February 2025

  Congratulations to our Little Lotto Winners February 2025   Well done to our latest winners in the Ups and Downs Southwest Little Lotto 50/50 Club. You could be in for a chance of winning in the next draw by signing up below.

read more
Evolve Music Session

Evolve Music Session

We had an incredible experience during the Evolve Music Session at Sherborne Youth Club, which left everyone buzzing with excitement! The atmosphere was vibrant and pulsating with energy, creativity, and collaboration. As they performed, it was amazing to witness the...

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Pancakes Flipping Good Time

Pancakes Flipping Good Time

We had a 'flipping' good time making pancakes at WsM youth club. Young people measured, chopped, and mixed their own ingredients. They even did a cracking job adding the eggs!   Young people helped set up and tidy the space; they even helped wash their plates,...

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Little Lotto Winners January 2025

Little Lotto Winners January 2025

  Congratulations to our Little Lotto Winners January 2025   Well done to our latest winners in the Ups and Downs Southwest Little Lotto 50/50 Club. You could be in for a chance of winning in the next draw by signing up below.

read more
Ball Launcher and Fruit

Ball Launcher and Fruit

At Sherborne Youth Club, our ball launcher activity was absolutely brilliant. The session kicked off with the youth diving into the creative process of designing their very own ball launchers. Armed with an assortment of materials and their imaginative ideas, they...

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Little Lotto Winners December 2024

Little Lotto Winners December 2024

  Congratulations to our Little Lotto Winners December 2024   Well done to our latest winners in the Ups and Downs Southwest Little Lotto 50/50 Club. You could be in for a chance of winning in the next draw by signing up below.

read more
UV Glow and Groove

UV Glow and Groove

We had an absolutely thrilling time at our UV dance and fitness session at Ups and Downs Southwest’s Weston-super-Mare Youth Club!  The atmosphere was electric, filled with vibrant energy and excitement. From the dazzling display of glowing sensory balls flying...

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Events What’s On

May
21
Wed
Coffee, Cake and Chat
May 21 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Coffee, Cake and Chat @ The Silver Otter | England | United Kingdom

Coffee, Cake and Chat!

The Silver Otter, Devon

 

New to Devon: Coffee, Cake, and Chat!

We are absolutely delighted to invite you to our new **bi-monthly Coffee, Cake, and Chat sessions in the heart of Devon**! Whether you’re new to the area or simply looking for a friendly space to connect, these informal gatherings are the perfect way to meet other families, enjoy a delicious treat, and access advice from our dedicated family support team—all in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Where:
The Silver Otter Café, 15 Silver Street, Ottery St Mary, Devon, EX11 1DB

When:
these are to be held on the following dates at 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

  • 18th September 2024
  • 27th November 2024
  • 29th January 2025
  • 26th March 2025
  • 21st May 2025
  • 16th July 2025

(Our family support team will be available until 2:00 PM for additional advice, guidance, or a one-to-one chat.)

Who’s Invited?
Everyone! Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or someone who just loves a good cup of coffee and conversation, you’re welcome to join. It’s a family-friendly event, and we encourage people of all ages to attend.

Why Attend?
These sessions are designed to offer a warm and supportive space where you can:

  • Meet and connect with other families in the area
  • Relax** over a cup of coffee or tea, and sample some delicious cake
  • Share your experiences, challenges, or simply enjoy a chat
  • Access support from our family support worker, who can provide advice on a range of topics including family life, education, and community resources

Venue:
The Silver Otter Café is part of the Able2achieve Trust, a wonderful local initiative that supports individuals with learning disabilities, mental health challenges, and other associated needs. With its cozy atmosphere and community-minded mission, it’s the perfect setting for our gatherings. Whether you’re here to unwind or seek advice, you’ll feel right at home.

Parking:
Convenient on-street parking is available nearby, and there’s a public car park just a short walk away on Brook Street, making it easy for you to pop in and join us.

How to Reserve Your Spot:
To help us prepare for a fantastic morning, we kindly ask that you complete the simple booking form below to let us know you’re coming. This ensures we have enough coffee, cake, and comfy seats for everyone!

We can’t wait to welcome you—come along, bring a friend, and make yourself at home. We’re here to listen, chat, and offer a helping hand where needed. See you at the next Coffee, Cake, and Chat!

Coffee Cake and Chat, The Silver Otter Devon
Coffee Cake and Chat, The Silver Otter Devon

"*" indicates required fields

If you would to join us please complete the form below

Name*
Dates*
Please select the dates you will joining us you can of course come to as many as you like.
Number of adults and children attending.
Permission to stay in touch.*
We occasionally send out information about our services, events, promotions or important news. Please let us know that you are happy for us to do so.
We operate a strict privacy policy.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

May
22
Thu
Bowling Trip SYC Yeovil
May 22 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Bowling Trip SYC Yeovil @ Hollywood Bowl | England | United Kingdom

Bowling Trip

 

We’re heading out for a memorable Youth Club trip to the Hollywood Bowl in Yeovil!

Join us for a fun evening where we’ll enjoy a game of ten-pin bowling, followed by time to sit together and enjoy a snack and a drink. It’s the perfect chance to have fun, relax, and socialise with friends in a different setting!

Important: Spaces must be booked in advance!

Parents/carers need to:

  • Complete the booking form
  • Pay the £5 subs online
  • Booking deadline: Thursday, 15th May

Don’t miss out – secure your space early and get ready for a fantastic night of bowling fun!

10 Pin Bowling Ups and Downs Southwest

The cut off date for this event was the 15th May 2025 at Noon

May
28
Wed
Bingo and Baking BYC
May 28 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Bingo and Baking BYC @ The Park Centre | England | United Kingdom

Bingo and Baking

Bristol Youth Club

Get ready for an epic day filled with laughter, creativity, and memories! How about gathering your buddies for an absolutely thrilling baking session? Imagine the sweet aroma wafting through the air as you dive into making a scrumptious batch Roll up those sleeves, grab your mixing bowls, and let the fun begin!

But wait, the excitement doesn’t stop there! Once you’ve satisfied your sweet tooth, it’s time to crank up the adrenaline with an exhilarating round of Bingo! Who knows, you could be the lucky one walking away with some fabulous prizes!

And the fun keeps rolling! After the games, there’ll be plenty of time to chill with your friends, swap stories, and dive into even more games. It’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy each other’s company!

This is not just any ordinary get-together; it’s a session packed with delicious treats, thrilling games, and unforgettable moments.

Don’t miss out on this amazing adventure—join in on the fun and make it an evening to remember!

Baking and Bingo Bristol Youth Club

"*" indicates required fields

My child would like to join you at Bristol Youth Club.

Name*
Photo Consent*
Photographs or videos of club activities may be taken for promotional purposes. Do you consent to your young person being included in these images? photo policy.
Permission to stay in touch.*
We occasionally send out information about our services, events, promotions or important news. Please let us know that you are happy for us to do so.
We operate a strict privacy policy.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Jun
5
Thu
Frome Coffee Morning
Jun 5 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Frome Coffee Morning @ Cheese and Grain | Frome | England | United Kingdom

Frome Coffee Morning

Cheese and Grain, Frome

 

We are thrilled to announce that this year, our coffee mornings will be hosted at various venues. Our second venue is the Cheese and Grain in Frome.

The Cheese and Grain is a not-for-profit, member owned social enterprise and also a registered charity. Its main aim is to promote and boost Frome’s social, cultural and economic life. The Cheese and Grain has an important role in Frome because they can host meetings, large (with a capacity of 835 standing and 500 seated) and small (up to about 30 people in their mezzanine). The lovely café is located in the centre of The Cheese and Grain and is the perfect space to come and and enjoy a tasty smooth coffee and maybe a slice of cake too!

Join Michelle Bull at The Cheese and Grain on October 10th from 10 am to 12 pm for a wonderful morning of coffee, conversation, and community spirit.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Frome Coffee Morning

"*" indicates required fields

If you would to join us please complete the form below

Name*
Number of adults and children attending.
Permission to stay in touch.*
We occasionally send out information about our services, events, promotions or important news. Please let us know that you are happy for us to do so.
We operate a strict privacy policy.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Jun
28
Sat
Summer Event At Noahs Ark Zoo Farm
Jun 28 @ 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
Summer Event At Noahs Ark Zoo Farm @ Noah's Ark Zoo Farm | Keynsham | England | United Kingdom

Summer Event at Noah’s Ark Farm

Join Us for a Summer Family Event at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm!

Where: Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, North Somerset
When: Saturday 28th June
Time: Please arrive between 10:30 am and 11:30 am, when the Family Support Team will meet you. The team will be on hand in the zoo until 2pm, but you’re welcome to stay and enjoy the zoo until closing time!

We’re excited to invite you and your family to a fantastic summer day out surrounded by nature, adventure, and plenty of animal magic at the award-winning Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm!

Nestled in 100 acres of peaceful countryside just 6 miles south of Bristol, this special zoo is more than just a fun day out—it’s a place that works hard to support, protect and care for the natural world, inspiring every visitor with a love for our planet and hope for the future.

Originally opening in 1999 as Noah’s Ark Farm Centre, it began with hands-on fun, including bottle-feeding lambs, tractor rides, and play in the hay barn. Fast forward to today, and the zoo now welcomes over 200,000 visitors annually and is home to more than 100 amazing species, including African elephants, giraffes, rhinos, lions, and even spectacled bears.

There’s so much more to enjoy than just the animals (though they are amazing!) — get ready for:

  • Indoor fun in the Rainbow Slide Play Area, Arkiventures Indoor Play, and Under-5s Soft Play
  • Outdoor adventures at the Elephant Play zone, Wallaby Hill Wooden Playground (parental supervision required), Sand Pit, and Welly Splash Pool
  • Explore the Great British Wildlife Maze and Mini Maze
  • Slide down the Termite Mound Slide (parental supervision required)
  • Enjoy daily animal talks and displays (check times on the day)
  • Don’t miss the Small Animals Meet & Greet at 2:30 pm!

Whether you’re here for the whole day or just the morning, this is a fantastic opportunity to create special memories with your family in a beautiful and inspiring setting.

Food and Drink
There’s something for everyone when it comes to food and drink at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, whether you’re after a hearty lunch, a sweet treat, or a quick bite on the go! The zoo caters to a variety of dietary requirements, so please speak with a member of staff if you have any special dietary needs.

  • The Food Barn – Open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., The Food Barn is the central hub for delicious, family-friendly meals.
  • Ice Cream Parlour – located next to The Food Barn
  • The Bear Kiosk – Located near the Spectacled Bear Enclosure
  • The Elephant Kiosk – Located by Elephant Eden
  • Picnic Areas – If you prefer to bring your own lunch? No problem! Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm has plenty of designated picnic tables throughout the zoo, plus indoor and undercover spots in:

Arkiventures Play Area
Jungle Den
The Canopy

Directions:
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is well signposted from the M5. The address to enter into a sat nav is: Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Clevedon Road, Wraxall, Bristol, BS48 1PG

Charges for this event

  • Child with Down Syndrome = £0 (Ups and Downs will subsidise the cost)
  • One accompanying parent/carer = Free (see terms and conditions below)
  • Additional children/parent/carers = £14.50 per person.

To be able to attend free of charge as a parent/carer, you will need to provide one piece of evidence from the list below:

  • Entitlement to Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children under 16 (either in the form of a letter stating that the benefit has been awarded or the actual Allowance book)
  • Entitlement to Personal Independent Payments (PIP) for those aged 16-64 (either in the form of a letter stating that the benefit has been awarded or the actual Allowance book)
  • Attendance Allowance or Carer’s Allowance letter of award
  • A valid Blue Badge

 

If you would like to attend this Family Event, please complete the online booking form below and make payment when prompted.

Booking closes at midnight on Monday, 2nd June 2025

Noahs Ark Farm Zoo Logo
Summer Picnic Woodland walk and waterfall
Noahs Ark Farm Zoo Bear
Noahs Ark Farm Zoo
Noahs Ark Farm Zoo Hawk

"*" indicates required fields

Parent/Carer
Address
ChildsName
Your child's name with Downs Syndrome.
The first ticket entitles the young person with DS and their parent/carer, free entry.
How many additional tickets would you like.
Price: £ 14.50
Permission to stay in touch*
I am happy for you to keep in touch via email, phone or mail.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.