P.R.O.U.D. - Parents, Relatives & Other Understanding Down's

P.R.O.U.D. is a parent led support group (based in Walsall) which started on Saturday 7th August 2004 and meets on the first Saturday of every month 2pm-4pm.( except for a few variations - see programme below )

Since setting up we have now moved to Leighswood Childrens Centre as we outgrew our first venue of The Hothouse in Aldridge

Leighswood Childrens Centre is based in Broadmeadow, Aldridge WS9 8FY ( It is next to Leighswood School - infants ) and has its own carpark and has various toys including a playstation, table top football and an interactive white board.

We organise trips out and various fundraising events throughout the year. ( Please see our programme )

Our aims are to provide for the needs of individuals with Down’s syndrome...

* To offer support, acceptance, advice and encouragement for parents, carers, family and friends of persons with Down’s syndrome.
* To increase awareness and knowledge of issues relating to Down’s syndrome.
* To educate the community about the presence, the potential and the needs of people with Down’s syndrome.

This group is open to anyone who is a parent, relatives, carers, and friends of people with Down’s syndrome and we invite you to come along and join us for any of the meetings and events that we hold throughout the year.

Programme of PROUD meetings...

PROUD PROGRAMME FOR 2008:

Sat 2nd Feb 2pm – 4pm Leighswood Childrens Centre (map)

Sat 1st March 3pm Swimming at Bloxwich Leisure Centre, High Street Bloxwich WS3 2DA (PROUD have exclusive use of the pool) (map)

Sat 5th April 2pm - 4pm Leighswood Childrens Centre (map)

Wed 9th April 7.30pm – Quiz night & auction ( with Saeed from The Apprentice) at Calderfields Golf Club off Mellish Road Aldridge, Walsall (map)
Tickets £5 and maximum 6 people per team please email jo@proudwalsall.org to order your tickets

Sat 5th May 2pm –4pm Leighswood Childrens Centre (map)

Sat 31st May – 9am – 5.30pm Danny Mardell Knockout Challenge, Birmingham City Football Club – see separate flyers (map)

SUN 8TH JUNE – FUNDAY + SPONSORED WALK – Midday onwards Aldridge, Venue TBC. This is to coincide with DS awareness week

Sat 5th July – 10.30am -Summer trip – West Midlands Safari Park – ( this will be free to PROUD members ) (map)

Sat 6th Sept BBQ 4pm – 4 Tynings Lane, Aldridge (map)

Sat 4th Oct 2pm – 4pm – Childrens Leighswood Centre (map)

Sun 5th Oct 6pm Boat Parade Merryhill Waterfront Centre, Dudley (map)

Sat 1st Nov 6pm – fireworks – 4 Tynings Lane,Aldridge (map)

Late November – Christmas Craft Fayre ( please check for details )

Fri 5th Dec –7.30pm Christmas Ball, Calderfields Golf Club includes disco, band and 3 course meal (map)
( Contact us if you want a ticket for this event as its a ticket only event or if you want a table [10 people to a table ] )

Sat 6th Dec 2pm-4pm – Christmas Party Tynings Lane Church (map)

Also in the pipeline are a couple of educational conferences ( please look at updates on the website for more details as we finalise these events )

If you can help out at any of the events and meetings please contact PROUD as we appreciate any support we are offered
in helping to run our support group.

Please browse the site to find out more and if you'd like further information on anything, feel free to contact Jo Yarnall by email or telephone on 07951 019 506