Talk, Share, Thrive
Speech and Language Group Therapy and Parental Support Service
We are proud to continue providing the Speech and Language service that has been trusted and valued by families for over 20 years in the Bristol area. Delivered by experienced therapists from Talk Therapy, this service supports children and young people with Down syndrome in developing essential communication skills.
Our Aims
At Ups and Downs Southwest, our mission is to support children with Down syndrome in reaching their full potential and being fully included in society.
We strive to:
- Promote the development and education of children with Down Syndrome
- Help each child achieve their potential, both socially and academically
- Provide tailored speech and language therapy and practical advice in a warm and welcoming environment.
- Create opportunities for families to connect and support each other.
Access the Service
We are currently maintaining the service for existing families while we evaluate and build on the current model.
Ups and Downs will be open to new class registrations starting in January 2025.
As part of this offer, we provide access for parents and children (pre school) to our popular coffee mornings. This is a Stay and Play session and a great setting for everyone to Talk, Share and Thrive
These take place every other week when Group A is having their group therapy session.
Support Us
Providing our services requires significant funding, and your generous donations allow us to offer our young people and families the services they deserve.
Who Can Attend
The service is available for children from 18 months to the end of Primary school who have Down syndrome. Therapy is provided in small groups of up to six children, ensuring focused attention and tailored support
What We Offer
Claire Cole and the fantastic team at Talk Speech Therapy lead our Speech and Language Therapy sessions. Claire is a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist with over 10 years of experience in both the NHS and private practice and is a Director of Talk Speech and Language Therapy Ltd. With a background in preschool complex needs, early years, mainstream, and special schools, she brings a wealth of expertise to the sessions. Claire is also a Regional Makaton Tutor and a licensed Elklan Tutor, regularly delivering a wide range of training packages.
Claire and her team are passionate about working with children with complex communication needs and loves collaborating directly with families to support each child’s journey to their full potential through fun and engaging therapy.
Family Support and Community
For each preschooler session, parent volunteers are on hand to provide refreshments and offer support through friendly chats. There’s also time for the children to play, allowing parents and carers to connect and share experiences in a relaxed setting. In addition, a Family Support Worker from Ups and Downs Southwest will regularly attend these sessions, offering information on the full range of support services we provide to families.
Autumn and Winter Program
| Day | Age Group | Time | Notes | |
| Nov 18 | Monday | B Older | 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 | |
| Nov 25 | Monday | A Younger | 9:30, 10:30, 11:30 | Coffee Morning |
| Dec 2 | Monday | B Older | 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 | |
| Dec 9 | Monday | TBC | Christmas Party TBC | |
| Jan 6 | Monday | No Group | Planning Session | |
| Jan 13 | Monday | A Younger | 9:30, 10:30, 11:30 | Coffee Morning 10-12 |
| Jan 20 | Monday | B Older | 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 | |
| Jan 27 | Monday | A Younger | 9:30, 10:30, 11:30 | Coffee Morning 10-12 |
| Feb 3 | Monday | B Older | 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 | |
| Feb 10 | Monday | A Younger | 9:30, 10:30, 11:30 | Coffee Morning 10-12 |
| Feb 17 | Monday | No Group | Half Term | |
| Feb 24 | Monday | B Older | 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 | |
| Mar 3 | Monday | A Younger | 9:30, 10:30, 11:30 | Coffee Morning 10-12 |
| Mar 10 | Monday | B Older | 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 | |
| Mar 17 | Monday | A Younger | 9:30, 10:30, 11:30 | Coffee Morning 10-12 |
| Mar 24 | Monday | B Older | 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 | |
| Mar 31 | Monday | No Group | Review Session |
Session Times and Allocation
As all our children are different and have varying learning profiles, it is important for each child to have a dynamic assessment to ascertain which session will be most suited for their progression and outcomes. As a result, the time slot/group that is allocated for your child may change during the course of an academic year. You will be consulted and informed of the details of any changes in good time.
How We Work
This service remains under the expert care of Talk Therapy, specialists in working with children and young people with Down syndrome. Our team is dedicated to maintaining the high standards you’ve come to expect and continuously enhancing the service with feedback and input from families.
Location
Sessions are held at:
Northcote Scout Hall
Great Brockeridge
Bristol
BS9 3TY
Session Details
Group A is for youngsters from 18 months of age Groups run every other week during school term time. Your child attends a 45-minute group session accompanied by one parent/carer. You are very much encouraged to participate in the session and continue to model techniques at home. Due to the nature of the group sessions, we are unable to accommodate siblings regardless of age. Group B is for school-age children up to the end of primary. Your child will attend a 45-minute session with one parent/carer and/or their TA. Again, full participation is encouraged, with the view that modelling will continue at home and within the school setting.Coffee Mornings
During Group A sessions parents are invited to attend the coffee morning around their child’s therapy session. This is a great opportunity to meet other parents and for you and your child to build up a strong social network.
The sessions are set up as a Stay and Play, and there are plenty of activities for the children to enjoy.
We aim always to have a member of the Ups and Downs Team available, as well as volunteers who will help run the coffee mornings.
Cost
Sessions cost £10 each, payable in advance for the term.
A typical term consists of 6 sessions, costing a total of £60 per term.
Ups and Downs Southwest will invoice you ahead of each full, academic term (Spring, Summer, Winter). Invoices must be paid in full in order for your child to attend the following term.