Down’s Syndrome Support Charity Faces £30,000 Deficit, Jeopardizing Cafe and Services

Sunshine and Smiles, a charitable organization dedicated to assisting children and young people with Down’s syndrome, is currently confronting a financial shortfall of £30,000. This deficit could compel the charity to cease funding its complimentary activity sessions and shut down its cafe and shop in Headingley, which provides employment for 10 young individuals with Down’s syndrome. Ailith Harley-Roberts, the charity’s service manager, stated that the organization extends its support to over 180 families. She remarked, “Its a very precious resource for a very important community in Leeds, we just want to make sure we keep offering all that we do.” Established in 2011, the charity originated from a small collective of parents, each with an infant diagnosed with Down’s syndrome. Ms Harley-Roberts noted that its growth has “snowballed” since then. It provides speech and language therapy sessions to more than 80 children and young people, in addition to offering various activity sessions such as swimming, football, music, and a baby and toddler group. All services provided to children, young people, and their families are offered without charge. The charity’s cafe, named 21 Co., was conceived as a temporary six-month initiative but has now operated for four-and-a-half years. Upon its opening in 2019, it provided employment for six young individuals with Down’s syndrome; currently, it employs 10. Ms Harley-Roberts explained that the cafe’s objective is to alter perceptions regarding the employment of individuals with learning disabilities. She stated: “It helps them building independence, earning money. “It’s not something that’s common place for someone with Down’s syndrome or any learning disability to be in employment.” Furthermore, the cafe contributes to the local community by offering homemade paintings, jewellery, and cards crafted by local artisans. Kate Stephens, who started collaborating with the cafe in 2019 by selling her artwork, now serves as its co-manager. She commented: “It’s a great place to work. It has a really nice community vibe. “It’s brilliant [for the young people] because they improve on their skills.”