AS the children laugh and play together, their mums sit, unwind and catch up with one another - much like any other toddler morning.

But Ups and Downs is different.

The children have Down's syndrome, and the mothers are meeting to support each other and discuss any concerns they may have or help they may need.

"We provide a friendly environment where the children can play safely and parents can just talk to each other over a tea or coffee," explains Francesca Lambert, from Freemantle, who runs the group.

"Groups like this are necessary because the best help a parent can get is from other parents."

And Francesca, 51, would know. She has four children, Sean 24, Amber 16 and twins Joe and Eric, 14, who both have Down's syndrome.

"As parents, we have been through the same experiences," she says. "And shared all the same emotions, so we all have a great deal in common, although the children are of course individual.

"I wouldn't say being a parent of a child with Down syndrome is easy.

"You have an able-bodied child who has mobility issues and they can present all kinds of challenges."

Ups and Downs started 15 years ago as a regular coffee morning meet and is now a registered charity, with families from all over Hampshire meeting once a month in a room provided by the Rose Road Association at the Bradbury Centre in Aldermoor. It offers parents a chance to catch up with one another and gives the children, who are aged from a few months up to four years, an opportunity to explore their surroundings and interact with other youngsters.

"When you have a child with special needs you need to give 150 per cent of yourself,” said Francesca. “It can be very tiring but also very rewarding - when they make progress it can be wonderful.

"It's about realising how they learn, and how they will find their way in the world. Being a parent is a huge responsibility anyway, but being a parent of a child with Down's syndrome means that you have to go that extra mile for them.

"Most people with Down's syndrome are perfectly capable of being in mainstream school, taking exams, having a job, and even passing their driving test in some cases. And many love to play instruments, act in amateur dramatics and dance. They do all the things that young people like to do. Other people's ignorance is probably the hardest barrier our parents have to overcome."

Mum-of-four, Claire Caws, whose youngest son Noah has Down's syndrome explains: "Ups and Downs has been an amazing source of support for us. Although we have all had different journeys, it is so nice to be able to speak to someone who has been through the same things and felt the same way."

To show her thanks to the group Claire, who works for the 111 telephone service based at South Central Ambulance, and her partner Richard, who works for Hampshire Fire and Rescue and is based at Hightown Fire Station, have been raising money.

Claire and the 111 team, along with the 999's, took part in a dress down day and cake sale and made £300. And Richard and his team held a Station Open Day and raised £800.

Francesca is hoping that, now the group has received charity status, that they can extend the support they currently offer and start working with older children and teenagers.

"At the moment we offer impartial advice, help and assistance from pre-natal through to starting school, but, of course, the support needed doesn't just stop then. There are always ongoing issues, and it would be nice to be able to continue to offer a supportive network for parents who want it.

"And the group is that supportive network, it understands. We understand."

• For more details about Ups and Downs, or to donate to the charity, please call Francesca on 02380 230464