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Important Service Update: Changes at Broomfield SILC

What’s Happening

SNAPS currently supports children with additional needs and their families across three Leeds locations: Penny Field SILC, Broomfield SILC and Co‑op Academy Brierley.

Unfortunately, Broomfield SILC has informed us that, due to an upcoming development project on their grounds, we will no longer be able to hire their facilities after this term. This decision is outside of SNAPS’ control.

Our sessions at Broomfield will continue as usual from January through March 2026, but we will not be returning to this site for the summer term (April 2026) onwards.

We understand this news may be upsetting, and we’re truly sorry for any distress it may cause.

Next Steps

Sessions at all three SNAPS sites will run as normal until the end of March. After this period, families will be welcome at Penny Field and Co‑op Academy Brierley.

We’re committed to making sure families continue to receive the care and support they rely on, and our priority is to minimise disruption and maintain continuity of services. We’re working hard to explore options for relocating some Broomfield-based services to our other SNAPS sites and will share updates as soon as plans are confirmed.

Our Commitment

Our mission remains unchanged: to continue providing vital care and support to as many families as possible who need us and to provide practical, therapeutic, and inclusive activities that make a tangible difference.

Questions and Support

If you have any questions or need further details, please contact Jo at Jo@snapsyorkshire.org or Lucy at lucy@snapsyorkshire.org. We’re here to help.

Thank you for your continued support during this transition.

Anne Gait

In memory of Anne Gait: thank you

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Anne, a cherished member of the SNAPS family.

Anne devoted her life to supporting children with additional needs and played a key role in SNAPS as a Founder, Trustee, and President. Her passion and hard work were instrumental in the organisation’s achievements over the years. She was a wonderful, kind, and caring individual who will be greatly missed by all who knew her. We feel privileged to have had Anne’s support, and we will carry on her legacy by continuing the important work she began.

In celebration of Anne’s life, supporters have so far raised £3,404 for SNAPS, in her memory. We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has donated. Your generosity will help SNAPS to deliver essential support for children with additional needs and their families across Leeds and West Yorkshire.

If you would like to make a donation, please visit the memorial page here. You can also read our full tribute to Anne.

Thank you for helping us celebrate Anne’s life and legacy. 

Evolve Your Digital

Evolve Your Digital becomes a SNAPS Business Hero

We’re thrilled to welcome  Evolve Your Digital as a SNAPS Silver Business Hero!

Shipley-based Evolve Your Digital is an award-winning digital business development company, specialising in beautifully designed websites and all things digital.

By joining our Business Hero community, Evolve Your Digital is helping SNAPS to provide vital support to children with additional needs and their families across Yorkshire. Their commitment means more therapy sessions, more smiles, and more opportunities for families to thrive.

David Krushell, Co-Founder and Operations Director, Evolve Your Digital, says: “We’re really excited to be supporting SNAPS and the amazing work they do for families. Being able to give back to the community in this way feels extra special. We can’t wait to see the difference we can make through this partnership!”

Debbie Hardy, Business Development Manager at SNAPS, comments: “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Evolve Your Digital to our Business Hero community and so grateful for their commitment to helping us deliver our life-changing services.

“Our Business Hero programme is a way for local businesses like Evolve Your Digital to support SNAPS and make a real difference for children with additional needs and their families. It’s about partnership, community, and creating positive impact together.”

You can find out more about our Business Hero Programme here. 

 

BBC Children in need

SNAPS on BBC Children in Need!

We were super proud to see Ava, her family, and our amazing SNAPS team on screen during the BBC Children in Need Appeal Show 2025 on BBC One! 

Ava is almost two years old and lives with her mum, dad, and two big sisters – Maya (7) and Maysa (6). Ava has a rare genetic condition called DDX3X, which affects her development. Through SNAPS, Ava enjoys hydrotherapy and rebound therapy, helping her build strength and confidence while having fun.

The film beautifully shares how SNAPS support has made a real difference to Ava and her family, and why services like ours matter so much.

A huge thank you to BBC Children in Need for their incredible support and for shining a spotlight on the work we do to help families! 

Anne Gait

In Memorium: Anne Gait

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of Anne Gait, the President of SNAPS, a former Trustee and one of the founders of what was then Special Needs and Parent Support.

SNAPS logo

Notice of SNAPS AGM: Saturday, 29th November 2025

We will be holding our Annual General Meeting 2025 on Saturday, 29th November at 10.00am at Broomfield SILC.

Credit: Jenny D Cooper Photography

Children Shine Bright at the SNAPS Super Stars Awards

SNAPS families, staff, and supporters came together this week to celebrate the incredible achievements of children with additional needs at the 2025 SNAPS Super Stars Awards! 

Our Super Stars Awards shine a light on the bravery, determination, and positivity shown by SNAPS children and their siblings every day.

Held at Co-op Academy Brierley, the event brought families together for a joyful morning of games, entertainment, and feel-good moments, in honour of the children and siblings who inspire those around them.

Children were nominated for a variety of reasons. Just a few of the messages shared included:

“Anyone that meets you always smiles, you really are a superstar and not just because you shine bright, but because you make others shine as well!”

“For being so brave trying new things. Always trying your best and always being kind and wanting to make other people happy!”

“Being brave, with an optimistic attitude whilst attempting to make the big leap from Year 1 to Year 2 class at school.”

Credit: Jenny D Cooper Photography

Each child nominated for a Super Stars Award received a certificate and a special keepsake.  The awards also recognised siblings, parents, staff, and friends who have gone above and beyond to support others in the SNAPS community.

Fiona Lassey, Mum to Harrison (10) and his younger brother Konner (three) has been coming to SNAPS since Harrison was just 18 months old. She says:

 “I nominated Harrison for never giving up, even when things have been tough – his courage amazes me every day. I also nominated his younger brother, Konner, for always looking out for Harrison and conquering everything with a smile.

“It means so much to be able to recognise them both. The Super Stars Awards were a truly lovely way to celebrate our children and come together with other families who understand. Seeing everyone’s stories shared and celebrated reminded me just how special the SNAPS community is.”

Lucy Owen, Chief Executive of SNAPS, said: “Every week at SNAPS, we see children achieving things that once felt impossible – whether it’s taking their first steps, building confidence, or simply having fun with friends who understand them. The Super Stars Awards are our way of celebrating those moments and recognising just how incredible these children are.

“It’s also a chance to remind families that their journeys matter, and that their children’s achievements – big or small – deserve to be seen and celebrated. The atmosphere at this year’s event was full of pride, joy and community, and we’re so grateful to everyone who helped make it happen.”

The event was free to attend and open to all SNAPS families. It was made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors Manning Stainton and Irwin Mitchell.

Mark Manning, Managing Director of Manning Stainton, says: “We’re very proud to sponsor this year’s awards and celebrate the incredible work that SNAPS does for children with additional needs and their families. Their services – from therapies, to building a supportive community – truly change lives and give every child the chance to thrive.”

CHRISTMAS RAFFLE – 2

The SNAPS Winter Raffle is here!

Get ready to win some amazing prizes while supporting a great cause!

Our Winter Raffle 2025 is now live, and every ticket sold helps SNAPS continue to be there for children with additional needs and their families.

Tickets are just £2 and can be bought online: https://snapsyorkshire.enthuse.com/winterraffle2025

Prizes include:

  • Cloud9 Airshot (hairdryer)
  • Cloud9 Wide Iron (straighteners)
  • Black + Decker Kitchen Wand
  • 1-night stay at York Marriott Hotel with breakfast
  • Soft play and 4D Golf entries at Xscape
  • 4 tickets to Cannon Hall Farm
  • £50 Style Attic voucher
  • £50 voucher for Chaophraya Thai Dining (thanks to Irwin Mitchell for donating)
  • Farmer Copleys voucher

Raffle closes: 15th December at 11:59pm
Winners drawn: 16th December –  we’ll contact winners directly!

You must be 18 or over and live in Great Britain to enter. To access the full terms and conditions of the raffle, please click here. 

SNAPS encourages responsible gambling. If you feel you have a problem with gambling, support is available from BeGambleAware.

For any queries, please contact: fundraising@snapsyorkshire.org 

Buy your raffle tickets here
Guests at the SNAPS official launch event for Co-op Academy Brierley

Our new site at Co-op Academy Brierley makes headlines!

We were thrilled to see our new site at Co-op Academy Brierley featured in the Yorkshire Evening Post!

Their photo gallery gives a lovely first look at our site and the families, trustees, staff, local councillors and partner organisations who joined us to celebrate the launch. 

Take a look at the full photo gallery at The Yorkshire Evening Post.  

You can also read more about our new site and the launch event over on our News page.  

SNAPS trustee Debbie
Two runners at the Altra Yorkshire Marathon

Altra Yorkshire Marathon: 18th October, 2026

  • Sunday, 18th October 2026
  • 9.30am
  • University of York
  • Registration fee: £30
  • Minimum fundraising target: £500
  • Age: 18+ years old
  • Register here

Fancy taking on a 26.2-mile challenge in the beautiful city of York? The Altra Yorkshire Marathon’s scenic route and incredible support make it one of the UK’s standout running events. Be part of this amazing festival of running and help change lives along the way. 

When you run for SNAPS, every mile you complete helps provide vital therapies and support for children with additional needs and their families. SNAPS receives no government funding, so your fundraising truly makes a difference. 

With an electric atmosphere and crowds cheering your name, you’ll experience the thrill of a flat, fast course that’s perfect for both first-time marathoners and seasoned runners chasing a PB. 

This is a must-have in any runner’s calendar. Sign up today, fundraise for SNAPS, and make every mile matter! 

Register here
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