Down Syndrome Centre provides vital services

MEET Frankie Treacy, a three-year-old from Tallaght who along with her family is promoting the support provided by the Down Syndrome Centre.

Living in Swiftbrook with mam Sera, dad Will and siblings Liam (6), Mia (5) and five-month-old baby brother Bobby, Frankie is a happy and social little girl, who loves nothing more than having the chats and a dance.

Sera told The Echo how as a family they feel “very lucky” to have the support of the Down Syndrome Centre, especially at a time when the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted access to services.

According to Sera, Frankie, who is not yet walking and has challenges eating, requires physio and speech and language therapy.

However, following lockdown and a recent reconfiguring of the HSE’s Early Intervention and Pre-School teams, families are facing waiting times for services.

“Without the Down Syndrome Centre we would currently have no support,” Sera said.

Frankie on her bike

“There was nothing during lockdown and some staff [in the HSE’s Early Intervention Team] were redeployed into adult services.

“Even when you’re linked in with the Early Intervention Team, you’re not seeing someone constantly throughout the year.

“At the Down Syndrome Centre, there’s always someone at the end of the phone.”

She added: “The centre offers therapists, physical therapists, sibling workshops, which help us to learn how to support the siblings of a child with Down Syndrome.

“The centre connects families, it’s there for a chat, advice… it feels like an extension of our family.

“It’s helped us to meet other kids, other families… and we’ve met three families who we hook up regularly with for walks.”

When Sera was pregnant on Frankie she was told at 14 weeks that her baby may not survive.

However, to Sera and Will’s joy, Frankie arrived and despite being born with a heart defect, which saw her undergo open heart surgery at five months, she has grown into a fun-loving little girl.

“Frankie is a typical little girl and is into dolls and pretty stuff,” Sera said.

“She’s very social…and when we’re in the park, she just wants to talk to people.

“She’s a very happy little girl and she loves dancing.

“We have a great laugh with her.”

Sera and Will have encouraged other families to get in touch with the centre if feeling isolated or in need of a chat, advice or supports.

“I would absolutely encourage parents to get in touch with the centre,” Sera said.

“We feel very lucky to have the centre.”

The Down Syndrome Centre provides vital services to children, aged 18 and under, with Down syndrome.

Alongside providing advice, information, friendship, support and a range of early intervention services, the centre has created several campaigns that promote inclusion, acceptance and understanding.

The Down Syndrome Centre receives no government support and is dependent on the goodwill of the public to continue supporting more than 200 families per week.

The centre subsidises its supports, charging a nominal fee of €25 for most services to cover running costs.

Members of the public can support the Down Syndrome Centre by buying one of its annual calendars, which are currently on sale in Dunnes Stores.

Frankie features in the calendar and is pictured in a space rocket for January, lifting off 2022.

Christmas cards will also be on sale in the run-up to December 25.

To learn more about the Down Syndrome Centre, for support or to donate visit donwnsyndromecentre.ie