The 21st March 2024 is World Down Syndrome Day. The theme is to end stereo types. Bury Council would like to devote it to one of the learners from the Adult Education Service, Alex Wildin, who recently passed away, shortly after being diagnosed with Leukaemia. Alex will be remembered by his enthusiasm for independent living. He was so delighted when he got his first apartment that he packed his clothes in 29 Tesco bags whilst his parents were at the supermarket.
To mark the day all employees of Bury Council are asked to attend work in odd socks to get noticed! They might be mismatched socks or your craziest and most colourful socks or whatever takes your fancy! The idea is to start a conversation, so when people ask you about your socks you can tell them, “I’m wearing them to raise awareness of Down syndrome”. Then you can tell them everything you know about Down syndrome.
Ryan Banks and Sophie Whitworth are examples of just how we can all work together to make a difference and challenge attitudes. They are volunteers for Bury LGBTQI+ Forum and have recently received the Kings Award for Voluntary Service. They display and sell merchandise for the LGBTQI+ Forum such as hoodies and t-shirts at social events, attend forum meetings, distribute Pride Flags during the rainbow walk and set up the Elizabethan Suite for Pride. As well as showing the social value of volunteering, they assist the forum in understanding the needs of those living with a disability in terms of gender and sexuality. Both Ryan and Sophie live independently and have a social life which would beat most socialites.
