World Down Syndrome Day is on 21 March each year. We asked our Advisory Network staff to share their thoughts on this year’s theme “Together against loneliness”.
What does the theme “Together against loneliness” mean to you?
Kath thinks, “This theme emphasises the importance of real inclusion, and strong, supportive and meaningful relationships. Create welcoming spaces and invite others to join in.”
Jack said, “Back when I was lonely, it was hard to find someone that I could connect to, or someone that I can have a relationship with that has similar interests. I feel lonely when I don’t have enough support or when I have nothing to do. Working together with people like me or when I have people around me and love and support, I feel less lonely. It’s making it better in my life.”
Matt told us that, “A long time ago, I felt lonely at school. It made part of me go shy. There were not many opportunities to be connected. There was an attitude that didn’t help create ways to include me, especially with my hearing problems. I felt lonely but now I don’t. Now I’ve got the best life! I work out in the sporting community and the DSV community and a lot of good things to keep making me cooler than I was before.”
Colby said, “It means that our community is there to support us and have our back.”
Why do you think community is important?
Building on Colby’s thoughts on the theme of “Together against loneliness”, he said, “We are by nature animals that need company so it’s essential for our lives.”
Kath told us, “There are so many reasons why the community is important. Community helps support us to overcome barriers to social connection and inclusion. Community plays a vital role in creating a more connected society where everyone feels a sense of belonging and connection. Some of my communities include DSV, BAM Arts, my work, family, friends, boyfriend and neighbours.”
Jack shared that, “It is important to feel safe and comfortable going out into the community. Sometimes it doesn’t feel safe when people aren’t following the rules. Having a supportive community around you is also important if you need help and can reach out and ask for help when needed. My communities are DSV and my other workplace and the people who support me there. Every part of my job and community shows support as well.
Matt said, “For me it’s about love. Community is love. Community is a heart.”
Daniel thinks, “Community is making the world better. Just reach out to your loved ones.”
What makes you feel connected and supported?
Jack feels more connected by, “Having a good network around me. Family, support workers and my girlfriend are always supporting me if I feel like talking when I feel down. I also feel comfortable around the people that support me.”
Colby told us that friends and family are what make him feel connected.
And Kath said that for her it’s, “Shared experiences, open conversations and true encouragement.” These things, “build my confidence in overcoming loneliness. I am very connected and supported through family, friends and my boyfriend. I feel comfortable with all of them.”
Matt said that he needs a balance. “I can be an introvert behind closed doors and I need my own time. I do love when I’m at work, connecting with people and being connected to myself. I’m louder and funnier.”
For Daniel, family is really important. “I feel comfortable talking about difficult stuff with my family, my brother-in-law, my dad. And I share things with my sisters: my life and how their day is going, what they have been up to. Every morning and every night I text my family to say good morning and good night.”
When you feel lonely, who do you reach out to or where do you go to feel less lonely?
When Kath is feeling lonely, she told us, “I try to keep myself busy doing something, and I reach out to my family, friends, boyfriend and my sister – they’re so supportive.”
For Colby, his support team is important, and he likes to go to live music gigs out in the community.
Daniel shared, “I go to the gym and I have friends I see each Friday. I thought I was going to be alone for my whole life but now I have my girlfriend.”
Matt said, “I do try to come out of my shell to be someone I’m not when I’m lonely. I can’t describe how it feels. Being lonely can trigger some people. And they need more support and to connect with the general public.”
For Jack, “I feel less lonely when I am with my girlfriend or with my family and have a laugh. These days I don’t feel lonely very often, but there was a time when I did a lot, so it is nice now and I feel good. I always reach out to people that I can trust.”
Ways you can connect with the DSV community and build new relationships
We appreciate the reflections of our Advisory Network staff on the World Down Syndrome Day theme.
At Down Syndrome Victoria, we have lots of ways for you to meet new people, and feel supported and part of our friendly community.
Here are a few options:
- Club21 and Club21 Teens are our dedicated social groups for people with Down syndrome. You can attend events in person but there are also lots of weekly online events, so wherever you are in Victoria, you can get involved and have some fun. There are also Club21 events for special interests like horror films and musicals. Fill in our expression of interest form if you would like to find out more and get involved.
- FitSkills21 is a fitness program for people with Down syndrome who are 18 years and over where you can also have lunch or dinner together after you have worked out. There are weekly sessions during school terms at 7 locations around Melbourne, as well as in Geelong and Bendigo. We also invite you to fill in our expression of interest form if you are keen.
- We have monthly welcoming Coffee and Chat sessions online for parents and carers of people with Down syndrome who are 15 years and over. Our next one is on Thursday 23 April.
- MyTime is a peer support program for parents and caregivers of children aged 0 to 18 years with a disability, developmental delay or chronic medical condition.
- Our volunteers also get to meet new people and feel connection through the events and programs they are involved in. We have regular information evenings about volunteering at DSV. Details will be on our events page.
- There are workshops and events throughout the year, both online and in person. Many of these are for parents and carers, but there are also events where the whole family can join in, like Family Fun Day and StepUP! These are great opportunities to build connections and meet new people.
At Down Syndrome Victoria, we will keep providing opportunities for our community to find connection, supports and new friends. Thank you to everyone in our community who makes our events and spaces supportive and welcoming.
