A LACK of local support has prompted two Christchurch mothers of Down’s Syndrome children to join forces to help other families throughout the area.

After feeling isolated by their experiences, Ceri Tyack and Jo Duckworth put their heads together to form Down’s in Dorset, a Christchurch-based group for families, parents and carers of children with Down’s Syndrome.

The pair met after making enquiries as to whether there was anyone else locally in their situation.

Ceri, mother to 15-month-old Joe, said: “For about a year both of us hadn’t met any other mothers. There is another similar group in Dorchester but neither of us knew about it.

“We just wanted to do something that would lend support to others in our situation.”

Both Ceri and Jo, who has a 15-month-old daughter, Georgia, currently undergoing treatment for leukaemia, felt compelled to do something that would reach out to others in their situation.

“For the first six months of a Down’s baby’s life there aren’t any appointments to allow for their development, meaning you can be incredibly isolated.

“It is a difficult situation to be in, to know how to feel and to come to terms with it, especially when you find out once they are born rather than beforehand, like both Jo and I did.

“Everyone tells you to think of him as Joe, rather than a child with Down’s Syndrome, but it can be tough at first. It’s a shock.

“Until he’s two, we won’t know properly what the future holds.”

The first group will be held on Friday with following sessions on May 21 and then the first and third Friday of every month during term-time.

Jo will join the meetings once Georgia’s treatment is under way.

For more information contact Ceri on 07717 352196 or Jo on 07772 732842 or email downsindorset@hotmail.co.uk