Award-winning charity Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association celebrated a landmark occasion as it welcomed His Royal Highness Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, to officially open its new centre. The Duke enjoyed a comprehensive tour of the facilities learning about the charity’s vast range of specialist services, and he enthusiastically participated in demonstration activities including the charity’s new Music Man Project Portsmouth initiative.
Charity Chair Rachael Ross MBE said, “We were honoured to welcome His Royal Highness to officially open our centre, and it was our pleasure to have the opportunity to introduce him to our families and showcase our activities. The move to our new venue had been a long-time coming due to the pandemic which caused massive delays and escalating prices. But we have been in our centre for a year now and it is perfect. It has become a real community hub.”
As he unveiled the commemorative plaque, the Duke expressed warmth and enthusiasm, stating his pleasure in meeting the families, staff, and volunteers. He commended the charity for its sustained “leading efforts” and “brilliant work”.
Portsmouth DSA ambassador Max, 20, who has been volunteering with the charity from an early age, was one of the young people personally introduced to the Duke as a thank you for his support over the years. Max said, “I love our new centre. I meet my friends here for our communication groups at weekends which helps us to improve our speech and social skills. I do performing arts at college and I asked the Duke if he likes acting too, and he said that he did, but sadly doesn’t have time to act himself anymore.”
Portsmouth DSA are always looking for new charity partner in the community. If you would like to know more, please visit www.portsmouthda.org