Awareness Week 2006

From 05/06/2006 until 11/06/2006

Raise awareness and rattle those tins - it’s that time of year again!

  

The Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA) Awareness Week is the time of year when the DSA, affiliated groups and all supporters combine forces to raise awareness about Down’s syndrome. It’s also a great chance to raise vital funds for the Association, which works every day, locally and nationally, to create the right environment for all people with Down's syndrome to live full and rewarding lives of their choosing.

Each year, we focus on a different aspect of life with Down’s syndrome during the annual Awareness Week. This year we want to highlight the issues surrounding the diagnosis of the condition, during the mother’s pregnancy or at birth. At the beginning of the year the DSA carried out extensive research to find how people receive the news that their baby has Down’s syndrome. We want to make sure that all medical staff follow guidelines of best practice when giving parents the news, and that every parent is given up-to-date and accurate information. The results of the survey will be published during the build-up to Awareness Week, and will be used to campaign for an improved process of disclosure.

Awareness Week 2006 will be kicked off on Sunday June 4th with an appeal from Liam Neeson, international film star and patron, on behalf of the DSA.  The appeal is on Radio 4 (FM 92.4 - 94.6, LW 198) at 7.55am and again at 9.26pm. The week will then be continued in style with some fantastic fundraising events, including the ‘Shifting Perspectives’ Exhibition 2006 at the OXO Gallery in London, and finishing with The Danny Mardell Knockout Challenge, 6-a-side football challenge at West Ham’s Premiership football ground on Saturday 10th June. For more information about these events, please contact .

The fundraising doesn’t end with our organised events, though – we depend on YOU to help us raise essential funds and awareness. Why not use Awareness Week as a reason to organise a cake sale, a sponsored walk or a school sing-a-long? Order one of our FREE AWARENESS WEEK PACKS by sending your name and address to . The pack includes new posters, recipes, sponsored spells, fab fundraising ideas and lots more.

We look forward to hearing about any ideas you may have – and don’t forget to keep us informed of your successes!

INFORMATION FOR PRESS

For details of the fundraising events taking place during Awareness Week, please contact Xanthe Breen, PR Fundraising Officer, at or .

For all other information regarding Awareness Week, including further details about the Disclosure Survey, or to arrange an interview, please contact Marie Benton, Communications Officer, at or .