Upcoming Research Projects
Please note that whilst 21 Together supports the aims of these studies, the research teams provide any text describing/advertising the study, and we, as a charity, have no involvement.
A student from the University of Birmingham is conducting research around belonging. The primary research question aims to explore how adolescents with Down Syndrome experience belonging, including what belonging means to them and how they understand it. The secondary research question aims to uncover what potential barriers or facilitators to belonging there may be for adolescents with Down Syndrome. She’s looking for adolescents with Down’s syndrome in secondary school. View Research Poster. View Research Description.
A university student at University College London (UCL) is currently conducting a research project titled “Improving Mathematical Abilities in Children with Down Syndrome and Williams Syndrome: Symbolic versus Non-symbolic Training Programmes.” They are now beginning the recruitment phase for the intervention study and would be incredibly grateful for your support. They are recruiting children with Down syndrome and Williams syndrome who are aged between 5-11 years and their parents. Please see the flyer for more information.
A PhD student, funded by the University of East Anglia, is conducting research on the experience of having a sibling with learning disabilities. Learning disabilities can be defined as having impaired intellectual ability and social functioning, with an onset from birth or early childhood. The survey is for anybody aged 11 years old or over (including adults) who has a sibling with learning disabilities, and for parents of siblings. Click on the following link for further information:
Adult survey: https://forms.office.com/e/YcYt7pRRcP?origin=lprLink
Young Sibling Survey: https://forms.office.com/e/fS7ujYiR8a?origin=lprLink
She is also conducting interviews with young siblings (aged 11-15 years old) and parents of younger siblings (I’ve already interviewed adult siblings) Interested in taking part? Contact Zoe Starkie at z.starkie@uea.ac.uk
A pHd student at Aston University is undertaking a study on adolescents (aged 12-18 years) with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities (ID) to take part in a focus group study. This study aims to understand caregiver experiences of accessing and using sleep measures. The study will help to identify the priorities for future sleep measure development. Take part in a focus group with other caregivers and share your perspectives to win a shopping voucher! Read more about it. Contact Miriam if you’re interested in taking part: mshab22@aston.ac.uk
Eagle Heights Regional Hub
Eagle Heights Regional Hub
We’re excited to invite you to our next Regional Hub Social for the Dartford area – a fun day out at the incredible Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation, one of the UK’s most diverse bird of prey centres, with animals, reptiles, meerkats and more!
These social events are a chance for families from Kent’s Down syndrome community to come together, connect, and enjoy time in a welcoming, inclusive setting.
📍 Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation
📅 Sunday 13th July
🕚 Meet from 11:00 AM | Stay as long as you like (closing time: 5:00 PM)
🎟️ Tickets: £15 per family (2 adults + 3 kids) (Extra spaces cost £10 per person)
www.eagleheights.co.uk
🦅 What’s Included:
Entry to Eagle Heights for the whole family (max 5 people)
Access to birds of prey displays, animals, and all open exhibits
Free parking, accessible toilets, baby change facilities, and a playground
Use of the outdoor picnic area (please bring your own food – there's also a tearoom on-site)
🎫 Ticket price is £15 per family Spaces are limited and tickets are non-refundable.
Accessibility:
Eagle Heights is wheelchair accessible and offers disabled toilet facilities and free on-site parking. We aim to make this a comfortable and fun day for all!
This is a great opportunity to relax, explore, and meet other families in the Dartford area supported by Kent’s Down Syndrome community network.
FULLY BOOKED! Family Golf Fun Day
Family Golf Fun Day
SOLD OUT
Join us for a special afternoon designed to introduce families to the world of golf in a fun, relaxed, and inclusive environment!
Kent Golf and Growing Golf are proud to partner for this exciting Family Golf Fun Day, welcoming children with Down syndrome (aged 6+), their siblings (aged 6+), and parents to come and try golf.
Golf is a game for everyone, and we’re here to prove it.
Hosted by Kent Golf & Growing Golf
📍 Tudor Park Golf Club, Ashford Road, Maidstone
📅 Tuesday 29th July
🕑 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
🏌️♀️ What to Expect:
FREE coaching sessions with experienced local PGA Pros
Adapted golf clubs and balls provided, so everyone can take part comfortably
Fun activities including:
Putting challenges
Driving range practice
The chance to get a hole-in-one!
A supportive, inclusive atmosphere at a private members’ club—a rare opportunity to play in a beautiful setting!
Refreshments available on site on the day
👨👩👧👦 Who Can Attend:
Families with a child with Down syndrome (aged 6+)
Siblings (aged 6+) and parents are warmly invited to join in
Up to 5 people per family
Whether you've never held a golf club or you're already a little familiar, this day is about having fun together as a family while discovering how accessible and enjoyable golf can truly be.
Book your spaces now! - £10 refundable deposit per family.
Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to learn something new, enjoy time outdoors, and connect with other families in your community.
Let’s open the fairways to everyone—see you on the green!
Meeting Point: Please meet us at the golf entrance to the right as you enter the car park - you will see our 21 Together flag!
21 Together’s Online Quiz Night
21 Together’s Online Quiz Night
🎉 Join Us for a Fun-Filled Online Quiz Night! 🎉
The winning team will win £100!
Tickets are £6 per person!
(If booking for your team be sure to add the number of tickets needed.)
Get your thinking caps on and join us for an evening of trivia, laughter, and community spirit – all in support of a great cause!
🗓 Date: Friday 1st August
🕢 Time: 7:30 PM
📍 Where: Online via Zoom
🎤 Hosted by: The brilliant quiz master, Phill Thorne
We’re incredibly grateful to A4G Accountants for sponsoring this fantastic event for such an important cause and Whizzdom Quizzes for hosting.
👥 Play solo, as a team in your household, or compete against your friends in the room! Whether you form a dream team or stir up some friendly rivalry with others on your sofa, it’s all part of the fun.
Expect laughs, light-hearted competition, and lots of feel-good moments. Everyone’s welcome – trivia buffs and beginners alike!
Don’t miss out – mark your calendar and join us for a night to remember!
Get involved in the number game where the prize a £50 cash prize. Purchase your numbers now.
You can also Donate to this quiz night by using the normal Donate button and commenting ‘SpeedQuiz’
You’ll need two devices to play smoothly, make sure you’ve got:
One device for Zoom – preferably a laptop, desktop or tablet to see and hear your friendly host and questions clearly (this could be a mobile phone if necessary!).
One device for answering questions – your phone or tablet, with the SpeedQuizzing app (it’s completely free to download!).
FULLY BOOKED! Wildwood Regional Hub
FULLY BOOKED! Wildwood Regional Hub
Join us for a relaxed family day out at Wildwood Kent, home to over 200 British animals past and present, including bears, wolves, lynx, and wildcats.
Our group will have access to a private, undercover education area, located just off the main picnic space — close to the café and play park, perfect for little ones to recharge between animal encounters! This is a wonderful chance to meet up with other families in our Down’s syndrome community, share experiences, and enjoy a day of nature, wildlife, and connection in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Sunday 6th July | Wildwood Kent
📍 Wildwood Trust, Kent
🕙 Meet at 10:00 AM | Park closes at 5:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets
£15 per family (non-refundable)
Includes entry for up to 2 adults and 3 children.
Children aged 2 and under are free.
Need extra spaces? No problem!
Add additional attendees for £10 each.
Regional Hub Event at Rockits Sensory and Soft Play Centre
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon at the Ashford Regional Hub event at Rockits Sensory and Soft Play Centre! We're excited to offer a space for all ages to explore, engage, and enjoy.
Regional Hub Bowling Session
Join us for our Regional Hub Bowling session this April! After the game, stick around for a bite to eat and meet some new faces. Don't miss out on this fun and social event!
World Down’s Syndrome Day 2025
Come along and celebrate World Down’s Syndrome Day 2025 with us…we have some VERY special guests coming along to join us!
Puss In Boots Pantomime
Exclusively for the 21 Together Community:
Puss In Boots Pantomime!
Following the HUGE success of the Mother Goose panto last year, we are very excited to share with you that we have tickets available for a private showing of Puss In Boots!
This showing has been booked out exclusively for the 21 Together community, creating an environment where everyone is comfortable, knowing the people around them.
This has been made possible once again by The Rotary Club of Medway. We want to give a huge thanks to them for making this possible and continuing to support our charity!
What’s the story?
When Jack, the youngest son of a miller, receives his inheritance, he finds his father has left him nothing but the mill cat! Meanwhile, his two older and mischievous brothers, Jasper and Jethro, inherit the mill and all the miller's riches. But, the feline in question is no ordinary cat! As soon as the good fairy gives Puss a magical pair of boots, the cat finds his voice and sets about changing his master's destiny which, of course, is to win Princess Esmerelda's hand in marriage. Along the way, Jack and Puss will have to outwit not only the bad fairy, but also the disgusting Ogre, Grimgrab, who is terrorising the village and who also wants to marry the princess —; whether she likes it or not! Throw in to the mix a soppy but musical King Wally, a forceful Queen Wendy, a splash of musical numbers and a scattering of delicious cameo roles, including: Bobby the royal page; the Ogre's castle guards; Babs and Betty (girlfriends of Jasper and Jethro) and, of course, a trio of killer rabbits!! It all adds up to a couple of hours of fun, laughter and mayhem —; just "Purrrrfect"!!
🗓️Saturday 18th January 2025
🕓16:00
📍The Oasthouse Theatre, Stratford Lane, Rainham, Kent ME8 8AG
🎟£7 per family (Refundable deposit)
Photos will be taken at the event. It is your responsibility to let staff know at the start of the performance if you do not wish to be in them.
Ashford United Football Match
Ashford United Football Match
Get free tickets to see the Nuts and Bolts in action at Homelands Park!
Under 5s Christmas Party - Maidstone
Come along to our Under 5s Christmas party!
Signed Christmas songs and story
Christmas fun!
Gift for each child
Tea/coffee and mince pies/biscuits for parents
Under 5s Christmas Party - Margate
Come along to our Under 5s Christmas party!
Signed Christmas songs and story
Christmas fun!
Gift for each child
Tea/coffee and mince pies/biscuits for parents
Clip ‘n Climb Christmas Party
Come along to our Clip 'n Climb Christmas party!
You can expect:
1 hour of climbing (following a safety briefing)
Pizza/hotdog and squash included for all climbers
Christmas gift for each child (given by Santa!)
Leeds Castle Christmas Visit
Leeds Castle Day Visit
Get a free family ticket for a day at the Leeds Castle Christmas event!
Half Term Bounce
Join us for some great fun at Elev8 Broadstairs, the ultimate bounce park and soft play. Our exclusive session allows use of the whole site with reduced noise for just our families.
Halloween Fun
Come along and get crafty, we will be decorating or carving pumpkins and doing Halloween arts and crafts. We will be joined by Creepy Claws, and their array of creepy crawlies.
The Kingfisher Medway Trust Boat trip Wednesday 7th August Afternoon Trip
The Kingfisher Medway Trust Boat trip
With funding from the Rotary Club of Medway, we are offering a journey on The Kingfisher Medway Trust Boat Trip!
CURRENTLY FULLY BOOKED
The Trip:
Under Teston Bridge
At a leisurely pace, we take you through some of the most beautiful countryside in Kent. Out on the water, enjoying the river, its wildlife and the many points of interest along the way.
Cruising downstream we pass under Teston Bridge, one of the oldest pack horse bridges in the country, then on to East Farleigh and its church with a Norman tower.
Nettlestead Place
Upstream we pass Nettlestead Place, a Doomsday Book manor house, then through Hampstead Lock, past Teapot Island with its museum of over 3,900 teapots and on towards East Peckham and Beltring.
You will see geese and swans, perhaps a heron or kingfisher, as well as a wealth of wildflowers. If you don’t know a Coot from a Moorhen or Cuckooflower from Hairy Bitter-cress we have a book on board to help you.
Times:
Starts at 2.30 p.m, and we return at 4.30 p.m. Feel free to bring your own snacks with you to enjoy on the trip.
please bring with you a packed lunch and refreshments/snacks. Tea, coffee and squash drinks will be provided by the crew.
Wheelchair Access
Kingfisher Mark is fitted with a lift providing passengers in wheelchairs safe and comfortable access to the boat. The lift is also used to assist walking passengers on and off the boat. Dimensions of lift base are length 120cm, width 82.5 cm, and maximum weight tolerance is 300kg
The Ramblers Rest Cafe on the quayside
There is a cafe right by the quayside, where sandwiches, hot meals, snacks, drinks, ice-creams, and more can be purchased to eat inside the cafe, out on the terrace or taken on board Kingfisher Mark to enjoy during your trip. Should you wish to pre-order any food or refreshments, just give Jon or Lesley a call on 01622 960288.
£4 Refundable deposit per person to secure your place
Children must be 10 years or over to take this trip
Maximum occupancy for the boat is 12 people
RH- FSM- Dartford/Sevenoaks/Bromley/Bexley
Join us for a family fun day the Kent Fire and Rescue’s Thames- Side fire station. There will be the chance to explore the fire engine and a performance promoting the importance of 999.
New Romney Country Fayre
New Romney Country Fayre Trip
All aboard the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway for a trip to the New Romney Country Fayre!
RH- FSM- Maidstone / Tunbridge Wells / Tonbridge & Malling - Cranbrook on the Green
Come visit us at our stand and enjoy this amazing day out.
RH- FSM- Canterbury / Dover / Thanet
Fun in the park. Come along to this family meet up in the lovely Betteshanger park.
RH- FSM- Ashford / Shepway - Kearnsey Abbey Summer Meet up
Come along and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kearnsy Abbey while catching up with friends from the 21 Together community.
RH- Summer Social- Medway / Swale Riverside Park
Join us for some summer fun at Riverside Park. There will be fun and games and chance to catch up with friends and meet new ones.
Leeds Castle Day Visit
Leeds Castle Day Visit
Get free tickets for a day out at Leeds Castle in return for your feedback on the experience!
The Kingfisher Medway Trust Boat trip Friday 31st May Morning Trip
The Kingfisher Medway Trust Boat trip
With funding from the Rotary Club of Medway, we are offering a journey on The Kingfisher Medway Trust Boat Trip!
The Trip:
Under Teston Bridge
At a leisurely pace, we take you through some of the most beautiful countryside in Kent. Out on the water, enjoying the river, its wildlife and the many points of interest along the way.
Cruising downstream we pass under Teston Bridge, one of the oldest pack horse bridges in the country, then on to East Farleigh and its church with a Norman tower.
Nettlestead Place
Upstream we pass Nettlestead Place, a Doomsday Book manor house, then through Hampstead Lock, past Teapot Island with its museum of over 3,900 teapots and on towards East Peckham and Beltring.
You will see geese and swans, perhaps a heron or kingfisher, as well as a wealth of wildflowers. If you don’t know a Coot from a Moorhen or Cuckooflower from Hairy Bitter-cress we have a book on board to help you.
Times:
Starts at 10.15 a.m. returning to Wateringbury at 2.15 p.m. There will be a stop as we make our way back when passengers can enjoy their picnic lunch.
please bring with you a packed lunch and refreshments/snacks. Tea, coffee and squash drinks will be provided by the crew.
Wheelchair Access
Kingfisher Mark is fitted with a lift providing passengers in wheelchairs safe and comfortable access to the boat. The lift is also used to assist walking passengers on and off the boat. Dimensions of lift base are length 120cm, width 82.5 cm, and maximum weight tolerance is 300kg
The Ramblers Rest Cafe on the quayside
There is a cafe right by the quayside, where sandwiches, hot meals, snacks, drinks, ice-creams, and more can be purchased to eat inside the cafe, out on the terrace or taken on board Kingfisher Mark to enjoy during your trip. Should you wish to pre-order any food or refreshments, just give Jon or Lesley a call on 01622 960288.
£4 Refundable deposit per person to secure your place
Children must be 10 years or over to take this trip
Maximum occupancy for the boat is 12 people
The Kingfisher Medway Trust Boat trip Tuesday 28th May Morning Trip
The Kingfisher Medway Trust Boat trip
With funding from the Rotary Club of Medway, we are offering a journey on The Kingfisher Medway Trust Boat Trip!
The Trip:
Under Teston Bridge
At a leisurely pace, we take you through some of the most beautiful countryside in Kent. Out on the water, enjoying the river, its wildlife and the many points of interest along the way.
Cruising downstream we pass under Teston Bridge, one of the oldest pack horse bridges in the country, then on to East Farleigh and its church with a Norman tower.
Nettlestead Place
Upstream we pass Nettlestead Place, a Doomsday Book manor house, then through Hampstead Lock, past Teapot Island with its museum of over 3,900 teapots and on towards East Peckham and Beltring.
You will see geese and swans, perhaps a heron or kingfisher, as well as a wealth of wildflowers. If you don’t know a Coot from a Moorhen or Cuckooflower from Hairy Bitter-cress we have a book on board to help you.
Times:
Starts at 10.15 a.m. returning to Wateringbury at 2.15 p.m. There will be a stop as we make our way back when passengers can enjoy their picnic lunch.
please bring with you a packed lunch and refreshments/snacks. Tea, coffee and squash drinks will be provided by the crew.
Wheelchair Access
Kingfisher Mark is fitted with a lift providing passengers in wheelchairs safe and comfortable access to the boat. The lift is also used to assist walking passengers on and off the boat. Dimensions of lift base are length 120cm, width 82.5 cm, and maximum weight tolerance is 300kg
The Ramblers Rest Cafe on the quayside
There is a cafe right by the quayside, where sandwiches, hot meals, snacks, drinks, ice-creams, and more can be purchased to eat inside the cafe, out on the terrace or taken on board Kingfisher Mark to enjoy during your trip. Should you wish to pre-order any food or refreshments, just give Jon or Lesley a call on 01622 960288.
£4 Refundable deposit per person to secure your place
Children must be 10 years or over to take this trip
Maximum occupancy for the boat is 12 people
Family Activity Weekend
Family Activity Weekend
Funded by the Medway Rotarians
MAKING CONNECTIONS AND RECEIVING PARENT & SIBLING SUPPORT
Time to put our families first! How does a free weekend activity break sound?
With funding from the Medway Rotary Club, we can offer families a fantastic break away at the Kench Hill
Siblings can access activities and specialist sib support sessions. Activities are provided in groups and also with the parents. Siblings and parents are the real focus of this weekend.
Parents can relax, unwind, and enjoy family time. Attend the workshops and entertainment, knowing your children are well looked after!
Children with Down's syndrome can get together, socialise and have fun with our staff team!
📍Kench Hill Centre, Tenterden, TN30 7DG
🗓️Friday 17th - Sunday 19th May 2024 (two night stay)
Please note- This is for families with two or more children/young people. The person with Down's syndrome must be 12 or over. The siblings must be age 8 or over. This means they can get full use of the activities and entertainment. Very limited availability.
Click the button below to register your interest
RH- FSM- Medway / Swale
Now Fully Booked
Jumpin’ Fun!
Dive into our final Regional Hub social meetup this Spring at Jumpin’ Fun Rochester.
Join us for a session EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE 21 TOGETHER COMMUNITY! ALL families from any area in Kent are welcome to register for this event, not just those in the Medway/Swale region.
15,000 square feet of inflatable fun awaits, plus a quiet room for anyone who finds the fun a little overwhelming.
📍Jumpin’ Fun Rochester, Medway City Estate, Rochester, Kent, ME2 4LF
📆 Sunday 28th April 2024
⏰9:00 - 10:00am
Spaces are limited, please complete the form below to register for the event.
You will be contacted in due course to notify you if you have gained a space.
RH- FSM- Canterbury / Dover / Thanet
Adventure Golf!
Families from ALL regions in Kent, supporting a child/young person with Down’s syndrome are more than welcome to attend this event.
Come along and join us for a FREE round of adventure golf at Quex Park!
You can expect a family-friendly round of golf, as well as a hot meal! The whole family is welcome (golfing age 3+ but younger siblings are welcome to come along).
📍Quex Park Adventure Golf, Birchington, Kent, CT7 0BH
📆 Sunday 21st April 2024
⏰1:00 - 15:00 (approx)
Hot meal includes a choice of (all served with chips):
Burger
Veggie burger
Chicken nuggets
Hot dog
Mini pizza
Fish fingers
Cheeseburger
Drinks are not included
Register your attendance at this event by clicking the link below. Spaces are limited!
RH- FSM- Maidstone / Tunbridge Wells / Tonbridge & Malling - Graffiti Art Workshop
Graffiti Art Workshop
Learn how to master the art of fabric spray painting in this creative and colourful art session!
Come along to this incredible workshop, run by Street Style Surgery, and learn to use stencils, pens and text, to express your individual identity on a t-shirt that you can take home!
This session is accessible to all abilities and suitable for ages 5+. Siblings are welcome to join in the fun!
Parents are to support this activity if you feel your young person requires this, if not, have a chat with other parents in our adjacent hall, where our soft play and a craft activity for the younger children will be available.
Refreshments will be provided.
🗓️Tuesday 9th April 2024
📍Maidstone Community Support Centre
🕥10.30-12:00
Unleash your inner Banksy - not one to miss!
It's completely free , but spaces are limited. If you would like to join us please sign up using the link below.
Please note that children remain the responsibility of parents at all times.
RH- FSM- Ashford / Shepway - Circus Spectacular
Cirus Spectacular
Come along and join us for a FREE circus spectacular social meet up this Easter! Families from ALL regions are more than welcome to come along.
You can expect an amazing 30 minute circus show, followed by an interactive workshop with the incredible Kinetic Circus! Craft area and small soft play included, plus drinks and buffet!
Come along and chat to other parents, whilst the children are thoroughly entertained - siblings very welcome!
📍Mersham Village Hall, The Forstal, Ashford TN25 6NU
📆 Saturday 6th April 2024
⏰11:00 - 14:00
Register your attendance at this event by clicking the link below:
Activity Day at Lower Grange Farm
Join us for a FREE exciting day of adventure at Lower Grange Farm Activity Centre!
Lucky Stars Vegas Night SOLD OUT
Join us for a Vegas-themed evening to celebrate World Down’s Syndrome Day 2024!
RH- FSM- Dartford/Sevenoaks/Bromley/Bexley
Bowling Social Meet-Up
FULLY BOOKED!
RH: Bexleyheath / Bromley / Dartford / Sevenoaks / Gravesham-ALL regions welcome
Come along and join in the fun - sign up for a totally FREE game of bowling and a meal!
All the family is welcome to join!
🗓️Sunday 17th March 2024
🕒15:00-17:00
📍TENPIN, Albion Road, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA6 7LS
This event was organised by our Bexleyheath / Bromley / Dartford / Sevenoaks / Gravesham champions, however ALL of our families in Kent are more than welcome should they wish to come along and join in the fun!
This event is open to any family living in Kent, caring for a child/young person with Down’s syndrome.
If you would like to come along, please fill in the sign up form by clicking below and we will be in contact!
Please note that completing the sign up form does not guarantee a space - we will be in contact shortly after completing the form to let you know if you have been successful.