Loneliness can hit harder for people with learning disabilities – a reality a Jersey charity is highlighting as it marks World Down Syndrome Day later this week.

Les Amis is using the annual awareness day on 21 March to draw attention to the importance of connection and community, and the work it does to keep islanders with learning disabilities “connected and visible” in their communities.

This year’s campaign theme is ‘Together Against Loneliness’ and focuses on how isolation can affect people with Down syndrome.

The charity runs a social club for its residents and service users, offering regular activities and a sense of community, while the Les Amis Choir performs throughout the year.

Pictured: This year’s campaign theme is ‘Together Against Loneliness’ and focuses on how isolation can affect people with Down syndrome.

Paul Routier MBE, Chair of Les Amis and a trustee, said: “Loneliness can have a greater impact on people with disabilities, which is why it is so important to make sure that they are integrated into the community as far as possible.”

“At Les Amis, we do this through our group and assisted-living homes, and through the activities the Social Club and Les Amis Choir put on throughout the year.”

“We are extremely fortunate in Jersey to receive the recognition and support by the community, however, higher living and operational costs provide a constant challenge for our charity.”

Islanders are being encouraged to wear bright, non-matching socks on the day as part of the global #LotsofSocks campaign, which raises awareness of Down syndrome and celebrates differences.

People around the world will be sharing photos of their colourful socks, with Les Amis inviting supporters to send pictures that can be shared on the charity’s Facebook page.

Pictured: Islanders are being encouraged to wear bright, non-matching socks on the day as part of the global #LotsofSocks campaign, which raises awareness of Down syndrome and celebrates differences.

Volunteers and members of the Les Amis team will also be promoting the charity in Brook Street on Saturday from 10am to 3pm, selling cakes to mark the day.

Brightly coloured and mismatched socks have become closely associated with World Down Syndrome Day because chromosomes resemble socks when viewed under a microscope, symbolising the extra chromosome people with Down syndrome have.

Since 2012, World Down Syndrome Day has taken place annually on 21 March – the 21st day of the third month – symbolising the triplication of the 21st chromosome that causes Down syndrome.