What 21 Together does

21 Together is a Kent, UK-based registered charity (Charity Number 1165305) founded around 2015 by four mothers to support children and young people with Down's syndrome (ages 0–25) and their families. The organization operates from two physical sites — a head office at Maidstone Community Support Centre and a regional centre in Margate — and launched a Regional Hubs model in June 2023 to extend community reach across Kent. Its core services include Communication Groups (speech and language therapy support), an Early Intervention Service for children from birth to seven years of age (funded by a three-year National Lottery Community Fund grant awarded in 2021), S-Club (life skills and social development for young adults aged 19–25), Community Support groups, Professional Services and Outreach, and a fee-based Training portfolio covering Makaton sign language and EHCP Annual Reviews.

The underlying technology stack is light: the proprietary "Teach Me Too" online educational resource platform delivers evidence-based teaching approaches for children with Down's syndrome, supplemented by recently purchased portable soft play equipment used at community events. The organization has no app, no public API, and no disclosed digital AI tooling — service delivery is predominantly human-led therapy, training, and in-person community engagement.

Revenue is generated through a diversified but grant-dependent mix: multi-year grants from National Lottery Community Fund, BBC Children in Need, Garfield Weston, Active Kent & Medway, and Kent Community Foundation; corporate sponsorship from named partners including OSB Group, DDS Group, Keel Toys, and Hornby Hobbies; Charity of the Year partnerships (Kent Invicta Chamber, Thanet Freemasons for 2026/27); individual donations and legacies; a 50/50 Club monthly lottery (£5/month or £60/year); fee-based training courses (£7.50–£40); branded merchandise sales; and passive retail donations via Amazon Smile, eBay for Charity, EasyFundraising, and PayPal Giving Fund. The charity is governed by a board of 7 trustees, led by Chair Rebecca Clark who succeeded co-founder Sarah Wildgoose in January 2022, and operates without external institutional ownership or private equity backing.

Name

21 Together

Legal name

21 Together

Website

https://21together.org.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

21 Together is a Kent, UK-based registered charity founded in 2015 that delivers specialist educational, therapeutic, and community support services for children and young people with Down's syndrome (ages 0–25) and their families, funded through grants, corporate sponsorships, donations, training fees, and retail fundraising.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Support Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (624110), Child and Youth Services (62411), Civic and Social Organizations (813410)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Mental Health, Counseling & Wellbeing (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Down Syndrome & Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Childcare (HSAAAIAC), Social Skills, Play Skills & Group ABA Programs (EDAKAHAJ)

Keywords

• Down's syndrome support
• Disability charity services
• Family support programmes
• Special needs education
• Community fundraising

Headquarters

HQ city

Maidstone

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Grant Funding: Multi-year grants from national and regional funders including National Lottery Community Fund (3-year grant), Children in Need, Garfield Weston, and local charitable trusts. The charity received a three-year National Lottery Community Fund grant for early intervention services.
2. Individual Donations: One-off and recurring personal donations from individuals connected to the Down's syndrome community or supporters. Includes in-memory donations, regular giving, and legacy bequests through Free Wills.
3. Corporate Sponsorship: Annual corporate sponsors including OSB Group, DDS Group, Degiorgio Properties, Keel Toys, Hornby Hobbies, and others. Also includes Charity of the Year partnerships.
4. Training Courses: Fee-based training including Makaton Level One and Level Two, EHCP Annual Reviews webinar, and Meeting the Learning Needs of Children with Down's Syndrome. Prices range from £7.50 to £40.
5. Merchandise Sales: Sale of branded merchandise including mugs, tote bags, water bottles, and event tickets through the online shop.
6. 50/50 Club Lottery: Monthly subscription lottery at £5 per number, with 50% to prize winners and 50% to charity. Also available as £60 annual one-time payment.
7. Community Fundraising: Individual and group fundraising activities including events, challenges, and DIY fundraisers. In 2020, the charity needed to raise £95,000 total with £45,000 from direct fundraising.
8. Third-Party Retail Donations: Retail partner programs including Amazon Smile, eBay for Charity, EasyFundraising, and PayPal Giving Fund where percentage of purchases or donations are directed to the charity.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

21 Together is a Kent-based registered charity that delivers social, educational, wellbeing, and community support programmes for children and young people (aged 0-25) with Down's syndrome and their families. Core services include speech and language Communication Groups, S-Club life-skills sessions for young adults, Regional Hubs, Community Support, Early Intervention Services for ages 0-7, and fee-based professional Training (Makaton, EHCP webinars). Revenue is generated through grants, donations, corporate sponsorship, training fees, merchandise, and a 50/50 Club Lottery.

Product overview

21 Together is a charity offering a portfolio of support services for children and young people with Down's syndrome and their families in Kent. The organization provides Communication Groups and Speech Club for therapy, S-Club for young adults (aged 19-25), Regional Hubs for local community connections, Community Support for family wellbeing, and Training services including Makaton courses. The charity also operates merchandise retail and fundraising programs like the 50/50 Club Lottery. All services aim to support educational, social, and emotional development.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Communication Groups Speech and language therapy support groups for children and young people with Down's syndrome, funded in part by BBC Children in Need.
• Professional Services and Outreach Expert staff providing support and guidance in education, health, and social care for families and professionals working with individuals with Down's syndrome.
• Community Support Family support groups providing wellbeing, empowerment, and play activities for families of children with Down's syndrome.
• Regional Hubs Regional support networks connecting families across Kent with local social opportunities and events, launched in June 2023 to expand reach beyond Maidstone and Thanet.
• Training Training workshops and courses including Makaton sign language training (Levels One and Two, from £40 per participant), EHCP Annual Reviews webinar (£7.50 per participant), and educational training for professionals and families.
• S-Club Life skills and social development programme for young adults with Down's syndrome aged 19-25, including S-Club+ social sessions at £15 per session.
• Early Intervention Service Specialist early intervention service for children from birth to seven years of age with Down's syndrome, providing therapy and developmental support funded by a three-year National Lottery Community Fund grant.
• 21 Together Merchandise Branded merchandise including mugs (£4.50), tote bags (£3.50), water bottles (£5.50), and Purposeful Prosecco (£15) sold through the charity's online shop to raise funds.
• 50/50 Club Lottery Monthly subscription lottery at £5 per number (or £60 annual payment) where 50% goes to prize winners and 50% supports the charity's services.

Quantifiable outcome

• Supported over 60 parents and carers through spa/respite sessions via 3H Foundation partnership
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core, supporting and minor.

• Kent Invicta ChamberflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerCharity of the Year Partner 2026/27, providing corporate visibility and support through chamber network.
• Thanet FreemasonsflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerCharity of the Year Partner 2026/27, supporting the charity through Freemason community networks.
• OSB GroupcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor providing financial support and workplace fundraising opportunities.
• 3H FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTwo-year partnership providing free spa sessions and relaxation activities for parents and carers of children with Down's syndrome. Over 60 parents/carers served across 16 dates in 2023.
• Hempstead HousesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvider of spa facilities for the 3H Foundation relaxation sessions, adding elegance and quality to the respite program.
• The Pod - Children's Therapies (Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to support children and young people develop skills to their full potential through children's therapy services.
• Ainsworth Civils & Engineering LtdminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAssisted with use of company van on short notice for soft play equipment delivery.
• BemixsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization helping young people into supported employment, providing office volunteer placement for Amy at 21 Together.
• Symbol UKsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading provider of speech and language therapy services since 1994, offering specialized support for children and adults with learning difficulties and communication challenges.
• ImagosupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides Short Breaks service for young people aged 8-19 years with disabilities, offering fun and breaks from daily routine.
• ROCCsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of Rivermead Inclusive Trust, offering school holiday and Saturday respite to families with children/young adults with SEND and complex disabilities across Medway.
• Include Us ToosupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal parent-driven charity providing information and support to disabled children, young people and families in Ashford, Shepway and Dover.
• Space 2 Be MesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharity working across West Kent with disabled children and young people with additional needs aged 0-25 and their families.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Mencap: UK's largest learning disability charity, supporting people with various learning disabilities including Down's syndrome. Broader scope than 21 Together but overlaps on family support, advocacy, training and community services.
• Contact (for families with disabled children): National charity supporting families of disabled children, including those with Down's syndrome. Broader SEND focus with overlapping family support, EHCP guidance and wellbeing services.

Regional players

• Imago: Kent-based charity providing Short Breaks for young people aged 8-19 with disabilities. Already a partner of 21 Together; comparable geography and overlapping SEND/disability beneficiary base.
• ROCC (Rivermead Inclusive Trust): Medway-based provider of school holiday and Saturday respite for families of children/young adults with SEND and complex disabilities. Already a 21 Together partner; comparable Kent/Medway SEND respite services.
• Space 2 Be Me: West Kent charity supporting disabled children and young people with additional needs (0-25) and their families. Already a 21 Together partner; directly comparable target demographic, age range and family support focus.
• Include Us Too: Kent parent-driven charity supporting disabled children, young people and families in Ashford, Shepway and Dover. Already a 21 Together partner; overlapping geography and SEND family support mission.

Direct peers

• Positive about Down Syndrome: Smaller UK charity providing support, information and resources specifically for families receiving a Down's syndrome diagnosis. Directly comparable niche focus and family support model.
• Symbol UK: Kent-based provider of speech and language therapy services for children and adults with learning difficulties. Already a strategic partner of 21 Together; overlaps on communication and therapy services for the Down's syndrome community.
• Down's Syndrome Association: UK-wide charity providing information, support and advocacy for people with Down's syndrome and their families. Directly comparable mission (Down's syndrome-specific support) but operating at national rather than regional scale.

Emerging players

• The Down's Syndrome Research Foundation: UK charity funding research into education, health and wellbeing for people with Down's syndrome. Comparable Down's syndrome focus but tilted toward research funding rather than direct service delivery.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/21_together1
• Facebookfacebook.com/21together
• Instagraminstagram.com/21together_raisingexpectations
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/21-together

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about 21 Together