Down's Heart Group

PO Box 4260
Dunstable
LU6 2ZT

Tel : 0844 288 4800
Fax: 0844 288 4808
Web: www.dhg.org.uk

The Down's Heart Group (dhg) was set-up in 1989 by a small group of parents who felt there was a lack of provision for the very specialised needs of their families. Everyone involved with the Group is a parent, either natural, adoptive or foster, of a child with Down's syndrome and a heart problem, so each has some first hand knowledge of the problems families encounter, and can understand the anxieties of parents who are now facing them. Help and support is given in the following ways.

• The Group maintains a computerised database of information about all member families, and now with over 1100 members it is nearly always possible to offer a family contact with other families who either live locally, or more importantly, who have faced a similar combination of problems. Many parents find this opportunity to talk over concerns with someone who truly understands is an invaluable help.
• Another part of the work of the Down's Heart Group is the provision of information which it does by production of straightforward leaflets, and by way of its newsletter which is distributed four times a year; not only to members, but also to an ever increasing number of professionals who have an interest in children with Down's syndrome and heart problems. The newsletter includes articles, letters and news as well as parents' own accounts of what has happened to them with their Down's Heart child.
• The Group also has an information pack for families and a DVD which is available for purchase or may be borrowed by families.