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SNAPS trustee Debbie

Thank you and farewell to Debbie

After eight years of dedicated service, we are saying a heartfelt thank you to Debbie Hingerton as she steps down from her role as parent trustee.
 
Debbie first connected with SNAPS when she started coming to sessions with her son Lewis, when he was just 10 months old (he’s now 16!) Over the years she became an important member of our community and then a valued member of our Board, supporting SNAPS’ growth and being a vital part of our services at our sites whenever she could. 
 
She has been part of so many important moments in SNAPS’ history from when she delivered a deputation speech about SNAPS to a full Leeds City Council meeting which resulted in a standing ovation, to being a constant welcoming presence at site, especially for new families as they started their SNAPS journey. 
SNAPS trustee Debbie with her son Lewis
We were delighted to present Debbie with flowers at our recent launch event at Co-op Academy Brierley as a small token of our thanks. We’re incredibly grateful for everything she has contributed – we will miss your contribution to the leadership team very much Debbie but know that we will stay in touch and that you’ll always be part of the SNAPS’ family.
 
You can read more about Debbie and her family’s journey with SNAPS on our family stories page.  
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We’ve Expanded! Our New Site Launches at Co-op Academy Brierley

We’re thrilled to share that we’ve officially opened our third SNAPS site at Co-op Academy Brierley, helping us reach even more children with additional needs and their families. 

The launch event took place on Saturday, 27th September and was a truly special day. We were joined by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Barry Anderson, along with SNAPS families, trustees, staff, local councillors, and partner organisations to celebrate this exciting milestone.

SNAPS was started over 20 years ago as a group of parents who wanted more for our children. Today, we support over 100 families every week with inclusive activities such as  hydrotherapy, rebound therapy, dance, football, music, family support, and wellbeing sessions.

Until now, we’ve been running services from Penny Field School in North Leeds and Broomfield SILC in South Leeds. Our new site at Co-op Academy Brierley, based on Cross Green Lane, allows us to offer even more – including:

  • Private family sensory room sessions
  • Rebound therapy
  • Dance and musical theatre
  • Archery
  • Cookery club

We’re so proud of this next step in our journey and can’t wait to welcome more families to SNAPS at Brierley! 

SNAPS trustee Debbie
A message from our Chief Executive
Lucy Owen, SNAPS Chief Executive

“Opening a third site has been a long-held ambition for SNAPS. Demand for our services continues to grow rapidly – every week, we receive new referrals from families who are often overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn.

“SNAPS offers them a safe space, a community, and the professional support they deserve. It’s a place where children can thrive, and where parents and carers can find hope, support, and friendship.

“Brierley is a wonderful space, and we’re thrilled to be working with the venue to bring our services to even more families who need us.”

“This expansion reflects our incredible journey – from a £39,000 annual turnover ten years ago to nearly half a million pounds today. It’s thanks to the generosity of the local community, businesses, and foundations that we are able to sustain and grow our vital services.”

What our families say
"I’m so happy about the new site - it means that more children can be reached. We are especially looking forward to exploring the sensory room this term - we can’t wait to see it! SNAPS is a place to never feel alone or lonely. It’s somewhere we all belong - not just the children, but us parents too, facing the challenges and uncertainty of raising someone with disabilities. No one understands like the other parents and the SNAPS team.”
- Simona
SNAPS parent
"It will be great to meet new people, try new things and to know that more families are going to be able to experience what we have been so fortunate to have. SEND families really deserve this support and i'm so glad that SNAPS will be able to provide more. We are very proud to be a SNAPS family!  "
Lora
SNAPS parent and trustee
SNAPS Super Stars Awards

Nominate Your Super Stars Today!

The SNAPS Superstar Awards are back!

These awards are a chance to celebrate the bravery, determination, and positivity shown by SNAPS children and their siblings every day!

You can nominate children for anything that makes you proud – from trying their best at a favourite activity, to being a kind and caring sibling, or simply showing courage in their own unique way. Each child will receive a special certificate and keepsake.

We’re also celebrating the everyday heroes in our lives – the friends, family members, carers, co-workers, and teachers who support us through life’s ups and downs. You can nominate someone for absolutely anything that makes them your super star. Each nominee will receive a personalised email with your message, letting them know how much they mean to you.

We’ll be celebrating with a special SNAPS Super Stars Awards event at Co-op Academy Brierley on Thursday, 30th October. This a free, fun-filled morning is for all SNAPS families, and will feature games, entertainment, and plenty of feel-good moments. 

Nominate your Super Stars here: 

Nominate your Super Stars here
Register to attend our awards
Participants at the SNAPS Superhero Challenge 2025

Superheroes in Action for SNAPS!

We are absolutely thrilled to share that this year’s SNAPS Superhero Challenge has already raised over £12,000 to help us continue supporting children with additional needs and their families! 

The event, which took place on Sunday 29th June at the John Charles Centre for Sport, brought families together for a day packed with fun, celebration, and superhero spirit! 

Designed to be fully accessible and inclusive, the Superhero Challenge invites children of all ages and abilities to set their own distance goals around a 400m athletics track. Whether walking, running or wheeling, every child was cheered on to their personal finish line, where they were presented with a special medal and goody bag to mark their achievement.

Alongside the track challenge, families enjoyed a host of activities –  from superhero character meet-and-greets, bouncy castles and face painting, to a petting zoo, silent disco, crafts, sensory play, and inclusive rugby sessions led by Leeds Rhinos Foundation coaches.

The day was made possible thanks to the generous support of our event sponsors Irwin Mitchell, Wade’s Charity, and Taylor Wimpey, as well as an incredible team of volunteers who gave their time to help everything run smoothly.

Lisa Morton, Head of Fundraising at SNAPS, said:

“What an incredible day of celebration! Seeing so many families come together to champion the amazing achievements of children with all different abilities has been truly inspiring.

“The funds raised through this event are crucial for keeping our services running, so we’re grateful to every family who participated and to our wonderful sponsors and volunteers who made the day possible.

“Most importantly, congratulations to all our young superheroes who showed such determination and joy — you truly are extraordinary!”

We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who made this event such a success – our families, sponsors, volunteers, entertainers and supporters. We’re so proud of what we achieved together, and we can’t wait to do it all again next year!

📸 Check out some more of our favourite moments in our event photo album on Facebook. 

Imaan

Imaan gets set for the SNAPS Superhero Challenge!

"It’s a special way for us to say thank you to SNAPS and to help make sure other children like Imaan can benefit from the same life-changing support.”

Meet one of this year’s dedicated participants of this year’s SNAPS Superhero Challenge, taking place on Sunday, 29th June: four-year-old Imaan. 

Imaan will be taking part alongside her mum, Dominique, and the pair have already raised over £540.00 in sponsorship for SNAPS!

Imaan, who was born with a rare chromosome condition that causes low muscle tone, has been supported by SNAPS for several years, accessing physiotherapy and taking part in inclusive play sessions. Dominique says that SNAPS has made a huge difference to their lives:

“For the first few years of Imaan’s life, everyday things that many take for granted, such as sitting up or walking, were major challenges.

“We were introduced to SNAPS when Imaan was around 18 months old, and it’s no exaggeration to say that they transformed our lives. Through regular physio sessions, Imaan has made incredible progress, and thanks to SNAPS, she took her very first steps at four years old – an unforgettable moment of triumph, courage, and independence.

“Being part of the SNAPS community has brought not only physical benefits for Imaan, but also emotional support for our whole family. It’s given us hope, strength, and a sense of belonging.

“This is our first time joining the Superhero Challenge, and we couldn’t be more excited. It’s a special way for us to say thank you to SNAPS and to help make sure other children like Imaan can benefit from the same life-changing support.”

Imaan and Dominique will join other families from across the region donning their capes for our Superhero Challenge. Hosted at the John Charles Centre for Sport this fully inclusive fun-run event gives all children, whatever their ability, the chance to feel like a superhero for the day. 

All ages and abilities are welcome, and each child can decide on their own distance target around the 400m athletics track. Those requiring an accessibility aid such as a wheelchair, walker or pushchair can also wheel their way around. Children will be cheered on to the finish line, where they will each receive their own challenge medal and goodie bag.

As well as the zoom around the track, there will be lots of other fun activities, including: 

  • Superhero meet and greet
  • Bouncy castle
  • Inclusive football sessions with Leeds United Foundation and rugby with Leeds Rhinos Foundation coaches
  • Fire and Rescue Service and Police
  • Face painting
  • Silent disco
  • Craft and sensory activities
  • Games

At SNAPS, we receive no government funding to deliver our services –  all funds raised from the Superhero Challenge will go towards our vital work.

The event is being kindly sponsored by Irwin Mitchell, Wade’s Charity and Taylor Wimpey.

Lisa Morton, Head of Fundraising at SNAPS, says: “We’re thrilled to bring the Superhero Challenge back again this year! It’s one of the most joyful, and inclusive family events in the city. Every child is celebrated for their strength and spirit, and every family gets to enjoy a fun-filled day in a supportive and welcoming environment.”

Families can register for the Superhero Challenge for free if they commit to raising £47.00 or more in sponsorship. This would support the cost of a physiotherapy session for a child with additional needs. Alternatively, tickets cost £12 per child if you would prefer not to fundraise (adults are free).

The SNAPS Superhero Challenge takes place on Sunday, 29th June at John Charles Centre for Sport, Middleton Grove, from 10.30am until 12.30pm. 

Register for the Superhero Challenge here
Charity Governance awards 2025

SNAPS wins at the 2025 Charity Governance Awards!

We’re delighted to share that we were one of five big winners at the 2025 Charity in Governance Awards ceremony last night! 

SNAPS won the ‘People in Governance’ award, with judges praising the vital role our Board has played in transforming SNAPS from a grassroots organisation into the professional charity it is today.

In their feedback, the judges praised our “thoughtful, inclusive and transparent” approach to governance, commenting:

“The board’s blend of lived and professional experience creates an authentic culture of shared purpose and collaboration. Particularly striking was the charity’s commitment to amplifying all voices – including children – through its Junior Ambassadors programme and open AGMs, where families can directly raise questions and offer feedback.”

We’re incredibly honoured and proud to receive this recognition. It’s a reflection of the passion and dedication our Board brings to SNAPS – combining lived experience with expert governance to help ensure that families of children with additional needs and their families get the support they need. 

Our Chair Chris Eatwell and Trustee Roberta Gamba accepted the award on behalf of SNAPS at the live ceremony in London on 3rd June, during Volunteers Week 2025.

A heartfelt thank you to our Board of Trustees for their incredible work, and to The Clothworkers’ Company for organising such an  inspiring event to celebrate great governance in the charity sector.

Congratulations to all of the other brilliant shortlisted and winning charities. It’s a privilege to stand alongside so many organisations doing such meaningful work.

You can read more about what the judges said about SNAPS here: SNAPS – Winner – People in Governance.

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Our new site at Co-op Academy Brierley

We’re delighted to announce more information about our brand new site at Co-op Academy Brierley, launching in September 2025.

From Saturday 20th September, families will be able to access a range of services, including: 

  • Sensory room (private family sensory sessions)
  • Rebound therapy
  • Dance and musical theatre sessions
  • Archery (using safe inflatable equipment)
  • Cinema Club (monthly)
  • Cookery Club (monthly)

Co-op Academy Brierley is located at Cross Green Lane, Cross Green, Leeds LS9 0BA. 

Referrals Now Open

Referrals for our new site are now open. If you would like to apply, please complete a referral form and a member of the SNAPS team will be in touch.

Complete a referral form

Please note: We expect demand to be high for these sessions, so we kindly ask for your patience while we process referrals.

We’re very excited to be expanding our reach and offering more opportunities for children with additional needs and their families.

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SNAPS Shortlisted for Charity Governance Award

We’re thrilled to share that SNAPS has been shortlisted in the People in Governance category at the Charity Governance Awards 2025!

This award recognises excellence in charity governance, and celebrates outstanding contributions made by charity boards and trustees. We’re incredibly proud that the hard work and dedication of the SNAPS Board of Trustees is being recognised in this way.

Our trustees’ commitment, experience, and guidance help us ensure we’re delivering the best possible support to the children and families we work with across Leeds and West Yorkshire. .

The winners of the Charity Governance Awards will be announced at a special ceremony in London on Tuesday, 3rd June 2025. We’re honoured to be shortlisted alongside so many inspiring charities doing exceptional work across the UK. 

A huge thank you to the Charity Governance Awards for this recognition, and congratulations to all of the other shortlisted organisations.

Runner at the London Marathon

The London Marathon for SNAPS: 26th April, 2026

  • Sunday, 26th April 2026
  • Minimum Fundraising: £2,000
  • SNAPS application deadline: Sunday, 17th August 2025
Run the London Marathon 2026 for SNAPS!

We are extremely excited that SNAPS has secured a place in the London Marathon 2026! 

We are now seeking one fantastic fundraiser to take on this epic challenge for us. We are looking for someone who is dedicated, enthusiastic and full of fantastic ideas to raise as much as possible for SNAPS. 

If you would like to take part in this iconic event, please email: fundraising@snapsyorkshire.org  to request an application form. The deadline for applying for a SNAPS place is Sunday 17th August 2025. Forms returned after this time unfortunately cannot be considered. 

You will be informed whether your application was successful or not by Friday 5th September. 

If you have any questions, please contact fundraising@snapsyorkshire.org.

For further information about the event and terms and conditions, please visit:  https://www.londonmarathonevents.co.uk/london-marathon  

Thank you for your interest, and good luck! 

Request your application now
SNAPS logo

A new look for SNAPS

We have a fresh look (kind of)!

Our logo still has the same bright and colourful look, but you may notice a small change. We’ve simplified the design and removed the tagline of “Special Needs and Parent Support”. We think that this updated name better reflects who we are today and the positive and inclusive work that we do.

Rest assured, we’re still the same SNAPS! Our mission hasn’t changed: we’re here to provide vital support to children with additional needs and their families.

If you have any questions about the new brand, or you are from a partner organisation that needs a copy of the new SNAPS logo, please contact our Communications Manager, Sarah Tulley: sarah@snapsyorkshire.org. 

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