My name is Holly, I am 27 years old and have Down’s Syndrome

21.03.19

On World Down Syndrome Day (21st March) one of our clients Holly who has Down’s Syndrome shares her story…

My name is Holly and I am 27 years old and have Down’s Syndrome.  When I left school at 19, I chose to go away to college as I wanted to get more skills. The college was a long way from home but it helped me become more independent.

In 2015, when I left college, I wanted to live with friends of my own age. I now live in supported living with four other young ladies. We all have a learning disability.  Care staff help us with cooking and keeping us safe. I would like to travel independently but I am not able to do this yet.

In the week, I do lots of different activities as I like to keep busy. I do a Pretty Little Cupcakes workshop and I do volunteer work in a charity shop called Marie Curie. I also work with people from an organisation called Club Soda to set up Disco’s, DJs and band events for people with special needs in the local community.

I am trying hard to lose weight and stay healthy and I go to Zumba, the Gym and a Dance class. I am on the committee of the local Leisure Link and the Making a Difference groups.

I like raising money for charity and I have done Swimathons for Marie Curie and organised a fundraising event at my gym for Children in Need. I also helped Croydon Mencap with the “Treat Me Well” Campaign.

I do however understand that I need help with managing my money and so I talked to a solicitor and now my mum has Power of Attorney for me.

I have a perfect life and I want to be as independent as possible in the future.