Every month Torbay Lottery shines the light on one of the good causes that receive funds from the local lottery, and January’s good cause is DownSouth Down’s Syndrome Support Group.

Clare from DownSouth said: “In 1983 two parents of young babies with Down’s syndrome met in a waiting room at Torbay Hospital and decided to meet up for a coffee. Over the following months more parents joined them and those coffee mornings evolved into our support group - DownSouth.

“35 years later, DownSouth is still a flourishing local charity, affiliated with the national Down’s syndrome Association and we have over 70 members of all ages and stages. We are always available to provide support and a listening ear to anyone who has been touched by Down’s syndrome, and who wants our help. This is especially important when a baby has been diagnosed as having Down’s syndrome and we work in partnership with Torbay hospital maternity to provide up to date and balanced information to all families.

“We work hard to raise awareness of Down’s syndrome, on behalf of our members, and offer training to schools and employers and most importantly, we have fun together at our social activities and form life-long friendships!

“As we are all carers ourselves, any help we receive with fundraising is very much appreciated and the Torbay Lottery has been an amazing support. Apart from the financial benefits of people buying their tickets for our group, the satisfaction of knowing that people appreciate what we do and want to support us, is immeasurable. Thank you!”

You can find out more on their website at www.downsouth.org.uk.

Torbay Lottery is a Council initiative, empowering local groups to generate vital funds in a fun and effective way, while enabling players to support the causes they care about the most.

112 causes have now signed up and with 60p of every £1 ticket brought going straight to these local causes the Torbay Lottery has raised over £60,000 since it was launched in April 2017. Draws take place every Saturday night and you could be in with a chance to scoop up to £25,000!

It is now easier than ever to choose your good cause through the new category search. Categories include: animals, carers, children and family, community groups, disability, education and learning, heritage, parks and open spaces. Why not sign up today at www.torbaylottery.co.uk/support/find-a-good-cause.