Sunshine & Smiles

Improving the lives and opportunities of people with Down syndrome and their families in Leeds.

Latest news

New Project: Belonging in young people with Down Syndrome

29th Sep 2025

Maggie Rose at the University of Birmingham is interviewing 11–25-year-olds with Down Syndrome about how important belonging is for the mental and physical health of adolescents

Good Luck Christopher!

29th Sep 2025

Christopher Power is running to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and Sunshine and Smiles.

Babble Play Project

29th Sep 2025

The University of York is running a study for babies with Down Syndrome aged 7-15 months based in the UK.

Thank you to Josh Farrand!

22nd Sep 2025

A big thank you to one of our Sunshine Dads, Josh Farrand, who ran the Pudsey 10k to raise funds for Sunshine and Smiles!

Leeds Family Hubs and SEND parent drop-in

22nd Sep 2025

Leeds family hubs provide a welcoming space where families with children and young people (0 to 19 years, or up to 25 years for young people with special educational needs and disabilities) can access support, advice, and services in one convenient location.

“Ribbons” sculpture - please vote!

22nd Sep 2025

We are excited to announce that Ribbons, a public sculpture celebrating women of Leeds, including our very own Ailith Harley-Roberts, has been shortlisted for a 2025 PSSA Marsh Award for Excellence in Public Sculpture

Tiny Outdoor Explorer Session for Sunflowers (Ages 2-8)

Next date:
Sat, 4th Oct 2025, 10:30-11:30

Our Sunflowers group this week will be at Hollybush Conservation Centre

Individual Support Sessions

Every Monday
Next date: Mon, 6th Oct 2025 - Fri, 10th Oct 2025

9:30am-2:30pm: Face to face, phone or video support available

Sunbeams (Ages 0-4)

Every Monday, 10:30-12:00
Next date: Mon, 6th Oct 2025

Join us with your little one for play and a cuppa, with some singing and signing too

Early Development Group - Ducklings

Next date:
Tue, 7th Oct 2025, 10:00-11:30

Using tools & resources to encourage development