We're rocking our socks on Wednesday 21 March to celebrate Down's Syndrome Awareness Day 2018.

Hazel is one of our mums who comes along to our early years sessions every week with her son, Liam, aged two. Hazel says,

"Down's Syndrome Awareness Day is important to me because of how little I knew about Down's syndrome before my son Liam was born in September 2015. I don’t think I would have felt so afraid in the hospital if I hadn’t been so completely ignorant. Unfortunately I had never had any contact with Down's syndrome until I met my own son!

"Now I know lots of children with an extra chromosome, as well as their siblings and parents. We are lucky to have the support of all of these families, as well as some brilliant early years practitioners, including the fabulous Danielle and her team at The Yard. I am glad that - thanks to this community - our lives are totally different to how I imagined when I was in the hospital, reeling from a postnatal diagnosis."

Liam also has a big brother, Owen, who does not have additional support needs but really enjoys his time at The Yard too. We are delighted to be working with more families like Liam's, so that we can start supporting disabled children, and their siblings, parents and carers, right from day one.

This year's Down's Syndrome Awareness Day global theme is 'What I Bring To My Community' – all people with Down’s syndrome must have opportunities to contribute to the community and live valued lives, included on a full and equal basis with others, in all aspects of society.

Down's Syndrome Association is highlighting some amazing stories from the UK and asking everybody to tell them why #InclusionMatters - join in on social media with your story.

You can also get involved…by wearing your best socks! Why socks? Well, chromosomes look a bit like socks, and people with Down’s syndrome have an extra chromosome. So sport some odd socks, brightly coloured socks, long socks, printed socks, one sock or even three!

We're asking you to join us in wearing something people will ask about, so we can all tell them about Down's Syndrome Awareness Day. If you take part tomorrow, please share your photos of you in your socks!

Find out more on the World Down Syndrome Day website.