Ongoing Support, Groups and Meetups

DSL are very pleased to be able to offer its members SALT sessions through Rebecca Pearson Speech and Language Therapy. We believe that our young people should benefit from early and ongoing support and intervention in this area - communication is key in so many areas of life! 

Initial Contact

Please express your interest by filling in the booking form and sending it to secretary@downsyndromeliverpool.org.uk. Our speech therapist, Laura Woods will contact you for a chat - it is helpful to gain as much background information about your child as possible at this stage so that she can determine the most appropriate group.

Securing your space

If a space is available, a deposit of £40 is required to secure the place. If all 10 sessions in the year are attended, your deposit will be returned or carried forward to the following year. If more than one session is missed in the year, your deposit will not be returned and if you wish to attend the following year, a further deposit of £40 will be due. 

If you miss more than two sessions in the year, your place may be offered to someone on the waiting list.

Where?

Rebecca Pearson Speech and Language Therapy, 50 Mt Pleasant, Liverpool, L3 5SD 

When?

Monthly (no classes Dec and Aug)

Times will depend on which session your child is enrolled on to

11th January 2026, 8th February 2026, 8th March 2026

12th April 2026, 10th May 2026, 7th June 2026

12th July 2026, 6th September 2026

4th October 2026, 8th November 2026

Enquiries

Please email secretary@downsyndromeliverpool.org.uk

Sessions

Teenagers

This group is designed specifically for teenagers focusing on developing functional language and social independence. Through engaging activities and guided practice, participants strengthen key communication skills, such as asking for help, giving descriptions, explaining ideas and holding meaningful conversations. The group fosters confidence, connection, and greater independence in everyday interactions, all within a supportive and empowering environment. 

Early interaction through sensory play

This group supports children who experience primary social interaction difficulties that significantly impact their communication skills. The session focuses on developing the foundations of communication – joint attention and early interaction. Through sensory play, children are guided to engage, share focus, and build meaningful connections with others. The sessions are designed to be fun, supportive and developmentally appropriate, helping children take the first steps toward communication in a safe and nurturing environment. 

Developing early vocabulary

This play-based group is designed for young children , focusing on developing meaningful gestures, sign and first words. Using engaging, and child-led activities, the group encourages early communication through interactive play, songs and routines. Sessions support each child’s unique pace, helping to build a strong foundation for language and connection in a warm, supportive environment.

Early interaction and communication

This group has been designed especially for babies as a fun and supportive group for their parents/carers. Each session focuses on modelling and practicing early interaction strategies to help build the foundations for communication. Through sensory play, songs, and shared activities, we explore ways to encourage attention, turn-taking, and early sounds, in a relaxed, playful environment.

Generating phrases and short sentences

This group is tailored for children who are beginning to move beyond single words. Through structured play, songs, and interactive activities, the group focuses on developing short phrases and early sentences in a fun, supportive setting. Each session is designed to encourage expressive language, expand vocabulary, and build confidence in using language for real communication with others. 

Turn-taking and conversational language

This group supports children in developing conversational language. Through structured games, role play and interactive activities, children practice asking and answering questions, taking turns and staying on topic. The group focuses on building confidence and social connection by teaching the skills needed to participate in conversations in a fun, supportive environment. 

Our monthly support group is aimed at new, expectant and existing parents/carers of young children with Down Syndrome, aged between 0-5 years old. It's an opportunity to share experiences and talk to others in a safe, supportive environment.  It is also a great opportunity to exchange tips and advice, tell stories, and let the children interact through play. 

The group is very relaxed, with no 'strict' start time so you can drop in whenever is convenient, but we would advise you to utilise the full allocated time as two hours goes so quickly when chatting away! Even if your loved ones are at school or nursery, you are still invited to pop along anyway for a catch up and a cuppa, with immediate family always welcome to accompany you, including siblings.

Where?

Family and Friends Play Centre, Prescot Gospel Hall, Evans Street, Prescot L34 6HU. 

When?

Monthly, normally on the last Saturday. From 9.00am until 11.00am. 

31st January 2026, 28th February 2026, 28th March 2026

25th April 2026, 30th May 2026, 27th June 2026

25th July 2026, 29th August 2026, 26th September 2026

24th October 2026, 28th November 2026, 19th December 2026

Enquiries

Please email secretary@downsyndromeliverpool.org.uk