AROUND 100 children turned up to enjoy festive fun at a special Christmas party in Newport Centre on Saturday. 


The event - which was set up by T:21 Dragons who teamed up with Newport’s branch of the National Autistic Society’s Parents Support - saw children with down syndrome and children on the autistic spectrum come together to enjoy music, food and receive a special visit and gift from Father Christmas.


This was the third year T:21 Dragons have held a Christmas event, and according to charity founder Frances Jenkins it has been one of the biggest and busiest.


Ms Jenkins set up the charity - which is soon to become an official registered charity - in 2011.


She said: "This is our third event and it's always a joy to hold. We have had a raffle with lots of prizes which will raise money four our summer event next year.


"The children always seem to enjoy it and this year we invited the Newport branch of the National Autistic Society to join us. 


"All families and siblings of the children in both groups were invited to come along and in some cases this is the first time that parents have met others who have children with down syndrome or autism."

The party was set in two rooms of Newport Centre, with one room featuring entertainer Mr Chips, music, a buffet, raffle, stage and tables, and the other room had soft play and no music for children who wanted to relax or needed a calmer atmosphere.


Ms Jenkins, whose daughter Darcie, 10, has down syndrome, said she felt lonely and isolated before she set up T:21 Dragons. But now, she says it has helped people in the community come together.


She said: "I found it so difficult all those years ago, I isolated myself from people because I felt I had nothing in common with them.


"After setting up T:21 that all changed and it has been a huge help for me. I can honestly say it saved me. I hope it has also saved other families out there. We are all together for each other."


The T:21 Dragons are now close to becoming a registered charity after raising £5,000.


The group meet on the first Tuesday of every month from 10am to 1pm at the Serennu Children's Centre. Anyone is invited to join.

For more information, contact Ms Jenkins at frances2708@gmail.com.