Raising Twenty1 is rooted in Andover, the town where our journey started. While we’ve grown beyond those early days, Andover remains a meaningful part of our identity and community.
Our charity is dedicated to supporting children and young people with Down’s syndrome, along with their families and our support now extends across North Hampshire and the surroundinng areas as we continue to grow and reach more families.
We are proud to welcome and support families wherever they are on their journey.
The “Twenty1” in our name honours the unique genetic makeup of individuals with Down’s syndrome — an extra copy of chromosome 21. While most people have two copies of this chromosome, people with Down’s syndrome have three. It’s this beautiful difference that inspires everything we do.
Raising Twenty1 is led by a passionate and committed team of volunteers, each bringing unique skills and experience to support our mission. Together, we work to ensure children with Down syndrome and their families across North Hampshire feel empowered, included, and supported every step of the way.
Hi, I’m Anna Fauvelle, Chair of Raising Twenty1.
I first got involved with Raising Twenty1 when my son Eddie was a baby—he’s now 10 years old and continues to be my greatest inspiration. What began as a small, supportive coffee morning has grown into a fully registered charity that now helps countless families.
As Chair, I’m passionate about promoting the inclusion of children with Down syndrome in every aspect of community life. True inclusion benefits not only our children and families, but enriches schools, clubs, playgrounds and the community as a whole.
I also lead our fundraising efforts and am always on the lookout for creative ways to raise essential funds and build partnerships with local businesses.
We want to make a real difference to the outcome of the lives of these children
My name is Kerry and I became part of the DS community 10 years ago when I had my 1st son.
My family have been involved in the charity since it started 6 years ago. First as members and then I became a committee member as I wanted to offer my time to a charity who were doing so much to support my son. I am now also a trustee.
My roles are membership, family support and events coordinator. I enjoy welcoming our new families into our community.
My role in events is to provide new experiences that are inclusive in a supportive and safe environment for our members.
I’m so proud to be a part of the Raising Twenty1 community.
Hi, I’m Louise Benning, currently the Safeguarding Lead at Raising Twenty1.
I’ve been part of the community right from the very start in 2016, when my son Jaxon was born with Down syndrome. What began as a small group of parents looking for connection and support has grown into something really special not just a charity, but a close-knit community.
As Safeguarding Lead, I help make sure our children and families are always supported in a safe and positive environment. But it’s more than just an official role, over the years, we’ve become great friends as parents, and our children are so lucky to have each other too. They’ve grown up together as friends, and so have our wider families. It really does feel like one big extended family, where we celebrate the highs and support one another through the lows.
Raising Twenty1 isn’t just about inclusion; it’s about belonging. It’s a privilege to be part of something that gives our children friendships, confidence, and a strong sense of community.
We are Aram and Mark Shortland, the Treasurers at Raising Twenty1.
We have been members of Raising Twenty1 since the birth of our amazing son Benjamin back in 2020, but have more recently decided to become formally involved with the charity to give back after all the help we have received from them. While our journey as Bens parents hasn’t been easy, Raising Twenty1 has been a constant supportive presence in our lives as parents. Just as we’ve had to learn a lot about Downs Syndrome and challenge our own expectations of the condition, we hope our work as Treasurers will help R21 to continue to raise awareness of the wonderful contributions people with Downs Syndrome can make to society and support them (and their parents) to be the best they can be!
Hi, I’m Georgie Bassnett, Secretary of Raising Twenty1.
I first became involved with Raising Twenty1 in 2021 when my twin daughters, Mabel and Elsie, were in Neonatal Care and both received a postnatal diagnosis of Down syndrome. Through the charity, we’ve connected with other families, taken part in social events, and accessed specialist Early Years Development Groups — all of which have been a lifeline for us.
In April 2025, I joined the Raising Twenty1 committee as Secretary, motivated by a desire to give back to the charity that has supported our family so deeply. I’m passionate about helping shape the future and opportunities for all the families who are part of this incredible community.
Raising Twenty1 places families at its heart — creating a space where everyone feels seen, valued, and included. It’s a privilege to be part of something so meaningful.
I’m Liberty and I’m proud to be the Operations and Services Lead at Raising Twenty1.
In 2021, my beautiful son Ellis was born with a postnatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome and like many families, we quickly realised how important it was to access the right services, training, and support.
Navigating those early days gave me a deep appreciation for help that caring charities can give and that’s exactly what Raising Twenty1 does well.
I’m passionate about helping families feel supported every step of the way and being part of a charity that truly cares is something I’m incredibly proud of.
I’m Vee and I manage Raising Twenty1’s social media and marketing, helping to raise awareness of the charity and keep families connected through news, events, and stories.
My journey with the charity began when my daughter became friends with Riley through dance at the age of four, which soon led to a close friendship with Kerry and a lasting connection with Raising Twenty1.
By day, I work in Marketing, and by evening I run my own permanent makeup and complementary therapies clinic. I’m also mum to two children, aged 10 and 8, who inspire my passion for helping families feel supported, included, and empowered.
Andover Twenty1 is registered charity number 1183166. Our purpose is to provide support to children with Down’s Syndrome, and their families, from birth and through school.
We want our members to reach their potential, both socially and academically.
We want to support children with Down’s Syndrome, and their schools, to ensure the best possible educational experience and outcome. We want to encourage them to be fully included within their local community and recognised as a friend not as someone who is different or misunderstood.
We know that children with Down’s Syndrome can succeed when given opportunity and support and that’s why we want to give as much as we can of both!
Raising Twenty1 was founded in 2015 by John Percival and Libby Matthews. At the time, John was a health visitor in the Andover area who noticed that several local families had recently welcomed babies with Down’s syndrome. One of those babies was Poppy Matthews, the much-loved second daughter of local midwife Libby.
John recognised how valuable it would be for these families to connect, share experiences, and support one another. He approached Libby with the idea, and Raising Twenty1 was born. The very first gathering was held on Poppy’s first birthday – a celebration filled with tea, cake, toys, and the beginning of lifelong friendships.
What started as a small group has since grown into a thriving community. Today, Raising Twenty1 continues to bring families together through events, activities, and support networks that raise hopes, expectations, and awareness for people with Down’s syndrome. Many of the families from that very first day are still part of our community, and we are always delighted to welcome new members.
