Many of us resolve to do better or try new things in the new year. We have lots of ways to help you reach your goals in 2026.
Do you want to get fit or be more social?
If your goal for the new year is to get fit or be more social, we’d love to invite you to join one of our fun programs for people with Down syndrome. And you will get to make new friends too!
Club21 is a peer support network for people with Down syndrome to develop friendships and share group-based, social experiences with the support of a group leader and volunteers. There is Club21 for adults, Club21 Teens, and even 21 Fright Club for fans of horror films.
FitSkills21 aims to enhance fitness and wellbeing with a supportive and inclusive approach. Each participant is paired with a dedicated volunteer FitSkills21 Partner for motivation and support.
Both programs are NDIS services, with out-of-pocket costs for the FitSkills21 social meals. If you are joining in, you don’t need to bring a support worker, just yourself. It’s a great way to find some extra independence while being active and social.
If you would like to find out more, we invite you to fill in the enquiry forms:
Volunteer with DSV!
If you would like to give back and have a great time while doing it, we invite you to consider volunteering with us at Down Syndrome Victoria.
You can volunteer with:
- Club21, a peer support network for people with Down syndrome to make friends and enjoy group experiences with the support of a group leader and volunteers. You will get to accompany groups on all kinds of fun activities, doing anything from going to the movies or a musical, to fruit picking or mini golf.
- FitSkills21, an inclusive fitness and wellbeing program where you are paired with an adult with Down syndrome to offer them motivation and support. You will get to help participants reach their fitness goals in a social setting.
We will have information sessions coming up throughout the year, but if you want to find out more or express your interest now, you can email DSV’s Volunteer Coordinator Johanne Zuleta at volunteer@dsav.asn.au or visit www.downsyndrome.org.au/vic/volunteer/
Fundraising and giving back
Is 2026 the year you step into your philanthropist era? If you have resolved to help fundraise for Down Syndrome Victoria this year, you don’t have to do it all on your own. We can help you set up an online platform for people to donate to your effort and read about your mission.
Your fundraiser can take whatever form your imagination or passion inspires. Last year we had community members Pete and John raise $8,500 for DSV when they did the Massive Murray Paddle and in March this year Matt Walsh is going to be kicking goals for 24 hours to raise funds for organisations including DSV.
Not all fundraising efforts have to be that big. You might want to:
- host a morning tea at your workplace
- have a sausage sizzle with your sport team
- hold a fun Lots of Socks day for World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) in March at your school or workplace
- set Down Syndrome Victoria as your charity for events like the Melbourne Marathon.
Whatever your idea is, big or small, if you would like to find out how we can help you set up your fundraiser, please reach out to our Events Coordinator Nicole Bryson on nicoleb@dsav.asn.au or 0435 073 307.
Keen for an adventure?
Have you promised yourself more adventure in 2026? You could tick off multiple resolutions by joining the Down Syndrome Victoria trek later this year: adventure, exercise, time for you, fundraising and visiting beautiful places.
Recent DSV treks have taken in some of Australia’s highest peaks, Victoria’s alps and our stunning Red Centre. This year’s will be no less stunning, and we know this one is going to fill up fast.
Full details about the trek will be shared soon, but for now, some clues are that the location is local and it’s spectacular.
If you would like to express your interest in joining our 2026 trek, please email DSV’s Communications Manager Lucy Bain at LucyB@dsav.asn.au
Make your school more inclusive
If your goal this year is to make your school more inclusive, we can assist you or your child’s school with that.
There are two main ways that Down Syndrome Victoria can help schools foster classrooms and cultures that support students with Down syndrome to maximise their abilities and school experience.
- Our Authentic Inclusion in Schools conference on Monday 2 March 2026, an essential professional development conference where you or your staff can learn practical ways to create the foundations for genuine inclusion at your primary or secondary school. Find our more or register at www.downsyndrome.org.au/vic/conference/
- Schools can register for our Education Support Service (ESS) where our Education Consultants provide specialised information to assist schools with students with Down syndrome. ESS registration provides 3 school visits (9 hours in total) across the year, and automatic access to the DSV Education Platform for 3 nominated staff members.
For ESS registration forms or more information about our education services, visit www.downsyndrome.org.au/vic/services-and-supports/education-support/ or contact our Education team on 9486 9600, email education@dsav.asn.au.
We invite you to share these details with your child’s school or with any educators you may know.
Employ a person with a disability
If you have been thinking about employing a person with Down syndrome at your business or organisation, let 2026 be the year that you make it happen.
We can offer you advice and support on:
- defining and carving a suitable role
- Down syndrome awareness training for existing staff
- advertising to our DSV community
- onboarding and initial on-the-job support
- ongoing support to the business throughout the life of the job.
To find out more, you can visit www.downsyndrome.org.au/vic/services-and-supports/employment-services/ or reach out to our Employment Connections Manager Bree Mills on breem@dsav.asn.au or 0402 799 012.
