I am absolutely thrilled to be sponsoring Liam Fox MP's Down Syndrome Bill to bring vital opportunities for those living with Down Syndrome in England.
Ahead of the Down Syndrome Bill debate on Friday, 26th November, I was delighted to join colleagues from across Parliament and the Bill's creator Dr Liam Fox MP, to meet those living with Down Syndrome and their families.
The Down Syndrome Act (as it will become) is an important piece of legislation which will improve provision and outcomes for all those living with Down Syndrome in England. This will encompass, amongst other areas, maternity care, education, health, social care, and employment. For the first time people with Down syndrome are beginning to outlive their parents. It is therefore vital we improve current provision of services and look at long-term care to support those living with Down syndrome to live life to the fullest.
I am a huge supporter of this Bill and have worked closely with my local Down Syndrome group Get On Downs since becoming an MP back in 2019. Get On Downs is a weekly support group for families with young children with Down Syndrome or with a prenatal diagnosis which focuses on sharing up to date information, support classes, external speakers and more. I met the group last week at Playwise Learning CIC in Sutton Central Library for an afternoon of fun and to talk about what the Down Syndrome Bill meant to them. For the majority of parents I spoke to, their main concern when they receive the initial diagnosis of Down Syndrome is what services will be available to their child under the age of 5, throughout their school life, and as they begin to reach adulthood and look for employment.
The Down Syndrome Bill will place a duty on local authorities to assess and plan accordingly the needs of each child to support them at all stages of their life. I am proud to support this Bill to improve the lives of those living with Down Syndrome not just in Carshalton and Wallington, but across England, and I look forward to speaking in the Down Syndrome Bill debate on Friday 26th.