What an exciting time!  The Down Syndrome Bill passed its Second Reading in Parliament on Friday 26th November with cross-party support and no opposition, and we had a great celebration opposite Parliament!  The next stage is the Committee Stage when the Bill is examined in detail by parliamentarians and civil servants, then the Third Reading which should be in mid-late January and we hope the Bill will be Enacted on 21st March to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day 2022.
 
But, we still need your help in the devolved nations.  Wales and Northern Ireland didn’t sign up in time for the second reading, but they still have time to be included in the Bill if they commit before the Third Reading.  Please help us get them on board by writing to your MP and encouraging them to join the Bill.  Scotland is in the process of making their own Bill around Learning Disabilities, please get in touch with Eddie McConnell at Down Syndrome Scotland if you can help lobby your MP in Scotland to ensure people with Down syndrome are well catered for.
 
In other news …
 
APPGDS:  The next meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Down Syndrome is this Wednesday, 8th December – please tweet your MP and encourage them to attend.
 
NDSPG Advisory Group:  Our Trustees with Down syndrome are bringing together a group of adults with DS to advise on the development of the DS Bill.   This will be an online group, chaired by our founding officers Fionn, George, Heidi, James and Bethany. The group will start in January and will meet monthly.  An Easy Read invite is available through our website.  Email us at contact@ndspg.org for more details and to register.  
 
Webinar:   We plan to hold monthly webinars to keep you updated about the progress of the Bill, the next one on 26th January 2022. Sign up via our website.

Heidi Thomas, writer, and creator of the Call the Midwife drama joined us outside Parliament to celebrate and shared her thoughts:  “Down Syndrome is a distinct condition that requires full acknowledgment, and better understanding, if those born with the condition are to thrive. We must now put all of our energy behind the next phase of the campaign, 
As I know from personal and beautiful experience, loving someone with Down Syndrome changes the shape of your heart.  It's time to take that love, and change the shape of the future.”  
 
The real work has just begun!  This Bill is a unique opportunity and we have to ensure if the law is passed that the new Down Syndrome Act guidance will lead to desperately needed change. So, we definitely want to stay in touch with you, because we’re stronger together. We hope you feel the same. Together we can change anything.
 
I will send you another update in the new year, in the meantime you can keep in touch with us at:

web:  https://ndspg.org
Twitter:  @NDSPolicyGroup
fb:  @DSAPPG
e:  contact@ndspg.org
 
Best wishes and Merry Christmas,
the Team at the National Down Syndrome Policy Group