Double celebration for Down’s Syndrome support group operating in Skegness and beyond as 10-year-old Zoe wins regional award

The East Lincs Down’s Syndrome Family Support Group has received £1,000 as part of the Movement for Good awards.

The scheme, launched by specialist insurer Ecclesiastical, saw thousands of people across the UK nominate a cause close to their hearts for them to be in with a chance of winning a share of £1 million.

Louise Miller, of Skegness, a trustee and the secretary for the group, said the charity was ‘delighted’ and ‘humbled’ to have been awarded the sum, saying it would make a ‘huge difference’.

“Our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who nominated us,” she said.

Alongside this, the group has collected an honour at the East Midlands Charity Awards 2020.

On Thursday, at a virtual ceremony, 10-year-old Zoe Miller – daughter of Louise – was named Young Charity Ambassador of the Year at the event.

Zoe is the group’s ‘sibling reporter’ – she writes a blog for its website and has had some of her work included in news articles.

Louise, who was nominated in the Charity Trustee of the Year category, said. “It’s a lovely recognition of the work she does.”

The Covid-19 pandemic has not stopped the group from operating, as Louise explained.

“We have been using social media a lot, we have a Messenger group where we share tips on education and general life while in lockdown,” she said. “We also signpost to various training opportunities and online sessions from Down’s Syndrome relevant organisations; we have a grant-making facility in our group and can help fund attendance for such sessions.”

In addition, the group has been sharing cooking videos and even staged a mini Special Olympics from members’ gardens.

“Generally, it has all been about keeping in touch and sharing successes and milestones and just generally being there for each other, which is a reflection of how we are as a group,” Louise said.