Alex & Alfie

Alex was 18 when she first started working as a support worker for young disabled people. Realising her passion was for disability, she went on to study Special Education Needs & Disability Studies at the University of Suffolk, achieving a First Class degree and winning Dissertation of the Year Award 2018 for her research titled “An exploration into the perspectives of young men with Down’s Syndrome on love.”  Alex founded Project 21 in September 2018.

Alex’s first experience of Down’s Syndrome was Alfie. Alfie was 11. He loved to sing and dance, and a total comedy genius. They met every Saturday and developed a great friendship. Through her relationship with Alfie, Alex found herself immersed in the Down’s Syndrome community. She ran voluntary trips for Alfie and his friends to London theatres and organised regular meet-ups for the group.

After some time in the field, Alex realised many provisions for disabled people consisted of unchallenging and unimaginative activities, and was not adequately catering for the people who accessed it. This was where the idea for Project 21 was born; a charity providing innovative, exciting experiences and opportunities for people of all ages and abilities with Down’s Syndrome, helping them to exceed expectations and continually push boundaries.

Alfie captured Alex’s heart over a decade ago, and life has never looked the same for either of them since. Alfie’s determination and zest for life completely inspired Alex; showing her what the world looked like in full colour again.