The local charity supports people who have Down’s syndrome, and their parents and carers, throughout their lives. From before birth into older age, DSA NI provides a range of services which includes training, advocacy as well as employment and health and wellbeing programmes all aimed at helping those with the condition live full and rewarding lives. Part of the UK wide charity, Down Syndrome Association UK is the only charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland focusing on all aspects of living successfully with Down’s syndrome.
Jonny Strain, firmus energy’s charity ambassador for 2022 said,
“Following a successful two-year partnership with Air Ambulance NI our CSR Committee engaged with staff across the organisation to identify a good cause that made a real difference to people’s lives. DSA NI was selected by several members of our team, and it was clear from our first engagement with the charity the work they do is vital in supporting and creating new opportunities for people with Down’s Syndrome.
“The charity works to boost employment opportunities for people with Down’s Syndrome and it is vital that businesses in NI support this effort. Diversity is a key pillar within our organisation, and we encourage and promote the need for diversity and inclusion in everything we do”.
The much-needed fundraising support from firmus energy will go towards a range of initiatives, including social activities and away days, physical recreation, wellbeing programmes and ‘New Parent Days’ aimed at supporting new parents understand the condition of their new-born and have expert advice on speech and language, physio and behavioural patterns.
Fiona Wilson from DSA NI said,
“We have been supporting the Down's syndrome community in Northern Ireland for over 30 years this includes tailored parent support services, conferences, training, youth clubs, holidays, and social events. We support a particularly vulnerable group of people, and they need care and guidance as they navigate the challenges that come with living with Down’s Syndrome.
“Without support from our corporate partners these services would not be sustainable, and we look forward to working with firmus energy on a number of projects over the next year”.
In 2016, firmus energy set up a dedicated internal charity committee aimed at engaging all staff in supporting good causes and charities across the region. Since then, firmus energy has donated a total of £90,000 to a range of local charities in NI.
Alan Bennett, a local volunteer for DSA NI and parent of Jennifer who has Down’s Syndrome added,
“DSA NI has supported my daughter Jennifer from birth, almost 32 years ago and still continue to play a large role in our lives. From birth the association was on hand to advise my wife and I, before introducing us to a local support group where we and our daughter have made lifelong connections.
“The association supported us as a family unit and guided Jennifer's transition from school to adulthood and it is thanks to their support that Jennifer has been able to reach her full potential. When I retired in 2014, I decided to volunteer for DSA NI and am committed to ensuring we can offer this wonderful support service to all those with down syndrome across Northern Ireland”.
If you would like to donate, organise an event or could spare some time volunteering, please contact DSA NI at 02890 665 260.
firmus energy is a natural gas distribution and supply company, based in Antrim. Since 2005, firmus energy has connected over 55,000 customers in its network area (outside greater Belfast) and supplies natural gas to over 112,000 customers across Northern Ireland.
