Positive About Down Syndrome (PADS)

Positive about Down syndrome is a charity that provides information and support to new and expectant parents of a little one with Down syndrome.

They have amazing online support for families, and know how important it is for them to have access to accurate contemporary information and so provide them with their book #NobodyToldMe the truth about Down syndrome to families and literature to maternity units.

PADS has recently introduced online early development groups for  preschoolers, baby Makaton signing courses for new parents and Makaton training for members’ nurseries/childminders.

PADS vision, mission & Values

PADS believes every parent should receive the best possible care and support.

They believe the arrival of every baby with Down syndrome should be celebrated.

And believe every child with Down syndrome should be given every opportunity to flourish and thrive.

A mum is on a mission…

In 2004, Nicola Enoch gave birth to Tom and was initially devastated to discover he has Down syndrome, influenced by medical and societal attitudes, she was led to believe having a baby with Down syndrome was to be avoided.

But Tom led her to challenge her views and beliefs and to re evaluate what really matters in life. In 2006 Nicola formed The Ups of Downs, a Warwickshire based charity which now works with around 70 families. In 2017 Nicola created Positive about Down syndrome, now part of the national charity Down syndrome UK, working extensively at the coal face to address the systemic discrimination that all too often prevails in maternity care as well as at national policy level, being actively involved in forming the APPG on Down syndrome in 2021.

Nicola aims to help create a world where people with Down syndrome are able to live their lives as fully included and valued members of society, and to ensure every expectant and new parent receives the care and support they deserve.

Collaboration