Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content.
Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist.
If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter .
Support our mission and join our community now.
Subscribe Today!
To continue reading this article, you can subscribe for as little as €0.50 per week which will also give you access to all of our premium content and archived articles!
Alternatively, you can pay €0.50 per article, capped at €1 per day.
Thank you for supporting Ireland's best local journalism!
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens visits Causeway Down’s Syndrome Support Group music therapy session
The Mayor met with families involved in the group and observed a music therapy session, delivered as part of CDSSG’s wider programme of activities supporting children and young people with Down’s syndrome
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, with members, families and supporters of Causeway Down’s Syndrome Support Group (CDSSG) during a visit.
Reporter:
Staff Reporter
25 Mar 2026 6:00 PM
Email:
news@derrynow.com
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, visited Causeway Down’s Syndrome Support Group (CDSSG) last Thursday to see first-hand the impact of its music therapy provision for children and young people.
During the visit, the Mayor met with families involved in the group and observed a music therapy session, delivered as part of CDSSG’s wider programme of activities supporting children and young people with Down’s syndrome across the Causeway and Ballymena areas.
The Causeway Down’s Syndrome Support Group is a parent-led charity, built on shared experience and understanding, which creates a strong sense of community where families can connect, learn, and grow together. From small beginnings 30 years ago, the group has grown to support 65 families, highlighting the ongoing need for dedicated support networks locally.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, said: “I was pleased to visit the Causeway Down’s Syndrome Support Group and see first-hand the incredible work they do in supporting children, young people and their families.
“This organisation is very close to my heart, and it was deeply moving to see the difference their programmes, including music therapy, are making in helping children develop confidence, communication and connection.
“CDSSG plays a vital role in our community, and I want to commend everyone involved for their dedication, compassion and the positive impact they continue to have across the Causeway and Ballymena areas.”
At the heart of CDSSG’s work is a commitment to improving quality of life and promoting inclusion through a wide range of activities, including communication groups, social events, youth clubs and seasonal celebrations, which help build confidence, independence and friendships.
Music therapy, delivered by Michaela from Resonate Music Therapy, is a key part of the programme, providing a creative space for children and young people to develop communication, social interaction and emotional expression through rhythm, movement and song.
For many families, CDSSG is more than a support group - it is a vital source of support, belonging and reassurance.
“Every person with Down’s Syndrome is a unique individual, full of potential.” This belief sits at the heart of CDSSG’s work, guiding everything they do as they create opportunities for their members to learn, grow and thrive.
To continue reading this article, please subscribe and support local journalism!
Subscribing will allow you access to all of our premium content and archived articles.
Subscribe
To continue reading this article for FREE, please kindly register and/or log in.
Registration is absolutely 100% FREE and will help us personalise your experience on our sites. You can also sign up to our carefully curated newsletter(s) to keep up to date with your latest local news!
Subscribe or register today to discover more from DonegalLive.ie
Buy a paper
Buy the e-paper of the Donegal Democrat, Donegal People's Press, Donegal Post and Inish Times here for instant access to Donegal's premier news titles.
Keep up with the latest news from Donegal with our daily newsletter featuring the most important stories of the day delivered to your inbox every evening at 5pm.