Down's syndrome - help and advice
If you've been affected by Mike and Vicky's storyline, you may find these organisations helpful
The Down's Syndrome Association provides advice on best practice for supporting people with Down's syndrome at every stage of life. They have a comprehensive range of resources and targeted support services for people with Down's syndrome, their families, carers and the professionals who work with them.
Helpline: 020 8614 5100 Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm.
bibic is a national charity offering practical help to families caring for children with conditions like autism, cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, developmental delay, brain injury, and specific learning difficulties like ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia. They specialise in understanding the causes of challenging behaviour and can even offer support if your child has not been diagnosed with a condition.
Telephone: 01278 684060
Contact a Family is a UK-wide charity providing support, advice and information to families with disabled children, no matter what their disability or health condition. They can also put families in contact with others whose child has the same condition.
Helpline: 0808 808 3555.
Antenatal Results and Choices is a national charity providing specialised non-directive information and support to parents throughout antenatal testing and when a problem is suspected or diagnosed in their unborn baby. They offer help for as long as is needed whatever decision is made about the future of the pregnancy.Their services include a national helpline, a volunteer peer telephone support network, moderated online support forums and a range of supportive publications.
Helpline: 0845 077 2290 or 020 7713 7486 from a mobile (weekdays from 10am to 5.30pm)
NCT (formerly the National Childbirth Trust) is a leading parenting charity. Each year the charity supports hundreds of thousands of parents through a life-changing experience, offering expert information and trusted practical and emotional support through the website, the nationwide network of 300 local branches, free helplines, antenatal and postnatal classes, breastfeeding counselling and peer support schemes.
Telephone: 0300 330 0770
Helplines: Pregnancy & Birth 0300 330 0772; Breastfeeding 0300 330 0771; Postnatal 0300 330 0773; Shared Experiences 0300 330 0774
Keri Davies is an Archers (and Ambridge Extra) scriptwriter and web producer
Picture shows Terry Molloy and Rachel Atkins (Mike and Vicky Tucker)