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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
  • Farmer Copleys voucher

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

Terms & Conditions: 

  • You must be 18 or over and live in Great Britain to enter.
  • Tickets cost £2 and can be bought online via Enthuse.
  • Winners will be drawn at random and contacted using the details provided.
  • Prizes are non-transferable and no cash alternatives will be offered.
  • All funds raised go directly to support SNAPS Yorkshire CIO.
  • For full details or queries, 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
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
Group of SNAPS fundraIsers wearing harnesses for abseiling

SNAPS Abseil: 29th November, 2025

Event details

Join us for what promises to be an adrenaline-fuelled experience, with unforgettable views as you abseil 235ft down Wainhouse Tower in Halifax – the tallest folly in the world – all while raising vital funds for SNAPS!

A spectacular, twin-line abseil, this event lets you descend side by side with friends, family, or colleagues #makingmemories!

At SNAPS, we receive no government funding to provide our services so we rely on kind, compassionate people like you to support us.

We are asking those taking part to try and raise as much sponsorship as they can, with a minimum sponsorship target of just £100. This would fund approximately two vital physiotherapy sessions for a child with additional needs, helping children like Henry…

"The progress we have seen is amazing. From a child who was floppy to one who is super quick when crawling, and starting to progress to walking." - Henry's parents
Person abseiling down large building

As a SNAPS’ abseiling superhero you’ll receive:

  • A SNAPS t-shirt
  • Fundraising tips and support
  • Fundraising certificate 
  • Top bragging rights!

You’ll be guided in this event by our expert activity providers, Big Bang Experiences, who will ensure you are fully harnessed and equipped with the know-how to get to it.

Places are limited so be sure to get yours before they go and join us for the thrill of a lifetime!

To register for a place, please follow the link below. 

Register here

Please note that we work hard to make this abseil as accessible as possible. However, if you’re unsure if you’re able to take part or have any queries, please get email our Fundraising team: fundraising@snapsyorkshire.org  

SNAPS Super Stars Awards

SNAPS Super Stars Awards: 30th October, 2025

  • Thursday, 30th October
  • 10.00am to 12.00pm
  • Co-op Academy Brierley, Cross Green Lane, Leeds, LS9 0BA. 

The SNAPS Superstar 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.

The awards are also a chance to celebrate the amazing difference that the every-day super stars make to our lives. The people who are there for us through thick and thin, and who support us through life’s ups and downs. You can nominate someone for anything you wish. This could be a friend, family member, carer, co-worker or teacher, and you can nominate them for absolutely anything you like!

Every person nominated will receive an email to notify them that they are someone’s super star, along with a message from the person who nominated them.

We’ll be celebrating with a special SNAPS Super Stars Awards event at Co-op Academy Brierley – a free, fun-filled morning for all SNAPS families, featuring games, entertainment, and plenty of feel-good moments. 

Register to attend our Super Stars Awards here
Nominate a Super Star here
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.  
Guests at the SNAPS official launch event for Co-op Academy Brierley

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! 

Guests at the SNAPS official launch event for Co-op Academy 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. 

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