About Us
The Louth/Meath branch of Down Syndrome Ireland was founded in 1982 and today represents approximately 270 member families across the counties of Meath and Louth.
Our branch is run entirely on a voluntary basis by a committee elected annually at our AGM – hence our motto: “Families Supporting Families.” The committee meets monthly, and new members are always welcome.
Our mission is to help people with Down syndrome create bright, independent futures by providing education, support, and friendship at every stage of life.
Our Programmes & Supports
Early Intervention Home Teacher Programme
Established in 1982, this programme supports preschool children (aged 1–6 years) with Down syndrome across Louth and Meath.
- Home Teachers visit families every fortnight during the school year (around 20 visits annually).
- Sessions last 1–2 hours and are centred on play-based learning, helping children to develop key skills alongside their parents.
- Teachers can also liaise with preschools and primary schools to support smooth educational transitions.
- The programme is managed voluntarily by parents within the branch, with support from a Home Teacher Programme Coordinator (also a parent).
- We currently employ five part-time Home Teachers.
Queries can be directed to our Programme Coordinator: earlyinterventionprogrammedslm@gmail.com
Adult Education
In partnership with LMETB and Down Syndrome Ireland, we deliver Further Education programmes in Navan and Dundalk. These courses empower school leavers and adults with Down syndrome to achieve their full potential through lifelong learning.
Funding Scheme
All paid-up members of the Louth/Meath branch are eligible to apply for our Funding Scheme, which supports therapies, sports, and recreational activities that benefit members with Down syndrome.
Full details and terms & conditions are available here.
Employment Support
The branch supports adults with Down syndrome to make informed choices about their careers, providing necessary resources to seek, obtain and be successful in gaining employment. We believe that adults with Down syndrome should have access to meaningful employment: employment that is paid, in an area that matches skill and interest level and employment in a person’s local community. Through our Employment Support Specialist, Cara Morgan and the DSI National Employment Programme, we support a wide range of progressive organisations that see people with Down syndrome as key to making their workplaces more diverse and inclusive
087 163 6736
caramorgan@downsyndrome.ie
Available Tuesdays & Wednesdays
Regional Resource Officer
Our Regional Resource Officer is here to help people with Down syndrome and their families access support locally. The Regional Resource Officer acts as an information and support officer for the members and committee, helping to ensure they are aware of their full entitlements and rights to get all the services and opportunities that they need. Where such services are not readily available, the RRO works with the branch and DSI National Team to campaign for additional and improved services for members of all ages. Our Regional Resource Officer is Mike Egan.
085 8618866
mike@downsyndrome.ie
Activities & Events
Information Events & Courses
We run workshops and training throughout the year, such as:
- Sibling Workshops
- Fun with Numbers & Numicon
- Lámh sign language classes
- Handwriting courses
We also host talks from the DSI National Office on topics including Education, Speech & Language Therapy, and Behavioural Support.
Coffee Mornings
Monthly Coffee Mornings are held to help new members connect with other families. Details are shared on our Facebook page here.
Social Events
We organise regular family and social gatherings, including:
- Annual Christmas Parties (separate events for children and teens/young adults)
- Teen/Adult Discos
- Family Fun Day & Summer Barbecue
- Parent Information Evenings
Teenager & Adult Activities
We offer a wide range of activities to support social, creative, and physical development, including:
- Saturday Club
- Rainbow Buddies
- Fun With Art
- Fun With Fitness
- Artistic Swimming
- Speech & Drama / Social Skills Club
- Dance Classes
- Healthy Food Programme
For details, contact our Branch Administrator:
083 8972044
info@louthmeath.downsyndrome.ie
Branch Contact Details
Branch Administrator Brendan Stephenson: 083 8972044
Email: info@louthmeath.downsyndrome.ie
Committee: The committee meets monthly. New committee members are always welcome.
Parentlink Eleanor Cosgrove on 087 667 1393 / Sirpa Makinen on 086 861 4970.
