Saturday March 21st, is World Down Syndrome Day, a global awareness day dedicated to those with Down’s Syndrome, this year the Down’s Syndrome Association are focussing on belonging, connection and community as well as appealing to people around the world to stand together against loneliness. 

For us at Suttle Stone Quarries, this day carries a personal meaning. James Suttle, member of the Suttle family and the wider Suttle Stone Quarries family, has Down’s syndrome. His presence, personality, and perspective are a constant reminder of why inclusion isn’t just a concept; it’s something that should be lived, celebrated, and built into everything we do. James brings energy, authenticity, humour, and joy to those around him, he’s always the first, and last one on the dance floor at every Christmas party!

Belonging, Connection & Community

At Suttles we appreciate that one of the most meaningful ways we can support inclusion is through shared experiences, especially social ones. Everyone deserves the chance to connect, have fun, and feel part of something bigger. Unfortunately this isn’t something that is easy, or necessarily safe for individuals with Down’s Syndrome or other learning disabilities. That’s where the Big Night Out with Suttles comes in.

It’s More Than Just a Club Night

Driven by his want to give his son James and individuals like him him the experience of a night out, Chris Suttle, Chairman of Suttle Stone Quarries, linked up with a couple of local charities; People First Forum and People First Dorset to create ‘The Big Night Out with Suttles’. A proper night out in a proper night club, it isn’t just an event, it’s creating a space where adults with learning disabilities can come together, be themselves, and enjoy a night of music, dancing, and connection, whilst feeling safe, supported and confident.

For many attendees, nights like these are incredibly important. In a world where loneliness can often feel like the default, they offer a sense of belonging that can sometimes be hard to find elsewhere. The dance floor becomes a place where labels disappear and people are simply free to enjoy the moment. And that’s exactly what inclusion should feel like.

Celebrating James and Everyone Like Him

James Suttle is a big part of why this matters so much to us. His involvement highlights the importance of creating opportunities where people with Down’s Syndrome and other learning disabilities can fully participate in community life.

World Down Syndrome Day is a chance to celebrate James, and countless others, by continuing to build spaces where everyone is welcomed & respected and loneliness is eliminated.

We hold the Big Night Out with Suttles twice a year; April & October and we hope to continue doing this for years to come. But that isn’t where our commitment stops, whether it’s through events like the Big Night Out or the way we engage with our community every day, we will continue to champion inclusion and accessibility, because everyone deserves a sense of belonging, connection & community.

This World Down Syndrome Day, we invite you to join us in recognising the value of every individual and to help create a world where inclusion is the norm, not the exception.

For more information on the Down’s Syndrome Association and for useful resources including their fantastic film campaigns you can visit their website here: https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/campaigning/world-down-syndrome-day/

To find out more information about the ‘Big Night Out with Suttles’ taking place on the 23^rd April visit the People First Forum event page here: https://www.peoplefirstforum.co.uk/event-details/big-night-out-with-suttles-is-back

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