💙 Hi everyone, we’re Down’s Syndrome Scotland 💙 

We’re delighted to be taking over KAEFER UK and Ireland’s social media today as part of Down’s Syndrome Awareness Month. It’s an opportunity to share our mission, our impact, and to celebrate a corporate partnership that truly exemplifies values-driven business. 

In 2025, we’re proud to have extended our partnership with KAEFER for a further five years – a testament to what can be achieved when businesses commit to meaningful social impact. 

Our Mission

As Scotland’s only charity dedicated solely to supporting people with Down’s syndrome, we’ve been providing information, advocacy, and lifelong support since 1982. With over 1,500 members and 10 branches across Scotland, we support families and individuals from early years through to adulthood, helping people with Down’s syndrome achieve their ambitions and be fully included in society. 

Strategic Focus – The Big 4

This Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the four critical areas where systemic change is most needed: 

💼 Employment – Only 4.1% of people with Down’s syndrome in Scotland are in meaningful employment, despite 86% wanting to work. Our Inclusive Employment Programme is addressing this disparity by working with forward-thinking employers to create genuine opportunities. 

🏥 Health – People with Down’s syndrome die on average 28 years younger than the general population, often due to diagnostic overshadowing and healthcare inequalities. We’re advocating for policy change and improved medical training. 

🎓 Transitions – The move from education to adult life is often described as “falling off a cliff.” We provide crucial support during this vulnerable period. 

🏘️ Community Living – We support people with Down’s syndrome to build friendships, live independently, and be valued members of their communities. 

Partnership Excellence

Since 2021, KAEFER has demonstrated what exemplary corporate partnership looks like. Beyond fundraising through London Marathon participation, firewalking challenges, and the Forever 21 Ball, they’ve embedded our mission into their organisational culture. 

Their support of our Inclusive Employment Programme has been particularly impactful – providing not just funding, but genuine engagement with our goal of creating meaningful employment pathways. They understand that inclusive employment isn’t CSR window-dressing; it’s about recognising untapped talent and creating vibrant, diverse workplaces. 

Most recently, KAEFER provided five articulated lorries, dedicated staff, and logistical expertise to transport our Down’s Syndrome Scotland Garden home from the Chelsea Flower Show – including solving the complex challenge of moving three 10-foot trees safely across the UK. This wasn’t just generosity; it was strategic problem-solving applied to social impact. 

Measurable Impact

This partnership has contributed to us being able to: 

• Respond to a 26% increase in support calls 

• Expand our service delivery by 32% 

• Develop our ground-breaking Inclusive Employment Programme 

• Maintain financial stability during challenging economic conditions 

• Amplify our advocacy for policy change 

What Makes Partnership Work

KAEFER doesn’t just support us; they engage authentically with our vision and purpose. Their colleagues ask questions, and actively champion inclusion. This isn’t transactional support – it’s genuine partnership where both organisations learn, grow, and create change together. 

As we look ahead, we’re reminded that inclusion is about action, not just words. KAEFER has demonstrated this consistently, and together we’re proving that when businesses lead with values, everyone benefits. 

Thank you to everyone at KAEFER for your commitment, your enthusiasm, and your belief in what’s possible when we work together. You’ve given people with Down’s syndrome visibility, opportunities, and hope for fulfilling careers and lives. 

Here’s to the next five years of partnership, innovation, and meaningful change. 💙 

Find out more about Down’s Syndrome Scotland – https://dsscotland.org.uk/

Some of our recent work with Down’s Syndrome Scotland:

KAEFER UK & Ireland Celebrates 5-Year Commitment to Down’s Syndrome Scotland at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show: https://kaeferltd.co.uk/kaefer-dss-partnership/

Sara & Lewis are running the London Marathon 2026 for Down’s Syndrome Scotland: https://kaeferltd.co.uk/sara-lewis-are-running-the-london-marathon-2026-for-downs-syndrome-scotland/