Ups and Downs Southwest — a long‑established Bridgwater‑based charity supporting children and young people with Down Syndrome — has officially marked its move into new premises within Victoria Park Community Centre with a special visit from Bridgwater Mayor Kathy Pearce and Deputy Mayor Sue Young.

The visit took place on Monday 9th March 2026 and provided an opportunity for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor to meet families supported by the charity, learn more about the services it provides across the wider region, and hear first-hand about the impact of its work.

Mayor Pearce spoke warmly about the organisation, sharing that she had heard only days earlier from members of the community about “how incredible the support offered is.” The charity’s CEO, Joanna Thorn, formally welcomed the visitors before they joined staff, families, and colleagues from Victoria Park Community Centre for tea and cake.

CEO Joanna Thorn said:

Moving into our new home represents an exciting step forward. The space allows us to strengthen what we do and expand our reach to even more families across the South West. Having the Mayor and Deputy Mayor visit to celebrate this milestone with us was a wonderful moment for our team and our community.

A photograph from the visit is attached.
Pictured left to right: CEO Joanna Thorn, Mayor Kathy Pearce, Deputy Mayor Sue Young, Victoria Park Centre Manager Laura Fowler, Trustee James Foyle.

About Ups and Downs Southwest

Ups and Downs Southwest is a Down Syndrome charity based in Bridgwater, supporting families and professionals across Devon, Dorset, Somerset, North Somerset, Bristol and Wiltshire.

For 26 years, the charity has provided support, information and advice to families and professionals involved in the care of children and young people with Down Syndrome. It supports over 500 families and more than 200 schools, offering guidance, training, outreach and practical resources. Website: