Meet The Families - SNAPS Yorkshire CIO

Florence and family

Sarah Tulley — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 14:24:55 +0000

"SNAPS has truly been a lifeline for us."

Tim says: “Florence suffered a very rare paediatric stroke in August 2020, just before her third birthday.

“The stroke meant that Florence lost all movement of her left side and was unable to walk and talk. Our family were in hospital for two weeks before starting to navigate the world of health and rehab appointments for Florence.

“As we desperately searched for support and help outside of what is such a busy and overstretched NHS, we came across SNAPS. SNAPS offered us a place where we could come and meet other parents and children with additional needs as a family. I cannot express enough how grateful my family and I are for the unwavering care and attention that SNAPS has provided to my daughter during her recovery from a stroke. The swim and rebound sessions have been an integral part of her rehabilitation journey, and the supportive community and inclusive environment have made a positive impact on all of us. SNAPS has truly been a lifeline for us during this challenging time.”

You can read about Florence’s swimming journey at SNAPS here.

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Phoenix and family

Sarah Tulley — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 14:13:56 +0000

"From the moment we walked through the door, we felt safe."

Phoenix’s mum, Lora, says: “Our family has been coming to SNAPS since 2017, when Phoenix was around 18 months. From the moment we walked through the door, we felt safe. We were around people with similar journeys to us, we weren’t judged, only supported by staff and other families which was a weight off our shoulders after we had Phoenix’s diagnosis.

“Since then, SNAPS has become an integral part of our lives. Phoenix has accessed so many therapies and opportunities that he wouldn’t otherwise have been able to have accessed. Rebound, swimming and hydrotherapy have been his main Saturday activities over the years and stay and play has made him feel included and accepted in a world that can be incredibly hard to find your place in.

“We have also done a lot of other activities that have been offered by SNAPS such as the holiday activities. We had our first worry free cinema trip with SNAPS. It was brilliant to be able to give Phoenix an opportunity to do the things that other families don’t have to think twice about. I honestly don’t think we would be the family we are able to be today if it wasn’t for SNAPS. They support us as a whole family unit and have provided opportunities for myself and Phoenix’s Dad, Phoenix’s sister Blake and his grandparents who have also attended sessions with us.

“A personal favourite part of SNAPS is the parent massages. As well as being a lovely bit of time for me to be able to relax, having a child with a physical disability also can put stress on my body so this really helps with my physical and mental wellbeing.

“Last year Phoenix was given the opportunity after appearing in video for SNAPS, to speak to the team at BBC Children in Need and featured on BBC Radio 2, talking about what a difference SNAPS has made to his life. As a result of this, Phoenix was invited to Bolton Wanderers stadium to speak to Zoe Ball live on air and meet Vernon Kay at the end of his ultra ultra marathon challenge for Children in Need, who have also helped to fund swimming and hydrotherapy sessions at SNAPS. This opportunity made his life as he has a keen interest for all things celebrity and TV and strives to one day be on TV. So not only has SNAPS helped Phoenix with therapies, recreation and wellbeing, they have also helped to ignite a passion in Phoenix that could take him through his life.

“SNAPS means so much to us as a family and we’ve always wanted to give back and make sure that other families are able to have the experience and support that we have. Phoenix’s dad decided that he would take on multiple cycling challenges over the years for SNAPS. Overall so far we have raised a little over £25k to help SNAPS support as many families as possible and we will continue to do so where we can.

“As a parent of SNAPS I have also had the opportunity to be on the board of trustees a role in which I feel is really important to bring the voice of all parents back to the board and help to drive change where needed and to continue delivering the incredible services that are already provided.

“We are immensely proud to be a part of this wonderful charity and can’t thank every single member of the team that makes it possible enough.”

You can listen to Phoenix and Lora speaking to BBC Radio 2 here.

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Lars and Stacey

Sarah Tulley — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:55:18 +0000

"SNAPS has had a big impact not only to my son, but to me as a parent."

“I wish we had attended SNAPS sooner, as it has had a big impact not only to my son but to me as a parent also.

“Lars struggled to access other football training and sports groups due to his disabilities, but was so desperate to try. When I saw football advertised at SNAPS it sounded perfect – so inclusive and welcoming of everyone no matter their ability. When Lars started attending, he was so happy. The demands are lower and a slower pace to other sports groups he had attended which is just perfect for his needs, SNAPS’ football club has enabled him to become more confident in himself and his abilities and give more things a try. He has made some wonderful friends.

“As a parent, it’s been amazing to see his personality and self-esteem blossom. As a parent of a SEN child, I have also gained some new friends through SNAPS. It’s been nice to find other parents that just get it. We all support each other and each other’s children.

“Stay and play, attending summer events such as the day at Nell bank and the picnic have been so valuable to enable us to build the relationships with other families. The staff are wonderful so welcoming, knowledgeable and always have a listening ear and a cup of tea at the ready! They have really embraced us and made us feel like we belong!”

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Thomas & Sarah

Sarah Tulley — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:40:15 +0000

"Thomas has grown more confident with SNAPS."

“When I first joined SNAPS, Thomas was three years old. At that time we met in the staff room at Penny Field and had a coffee and chatted with other parents. I put Thomas’s name down for swimming lessons. To begin with, Thomas would scream when he was in just a few inches of water. This made it difficult to get him to go in the water. I am grateful for the swimming instructor, Jean, who within a couple of weeks, got Thomas to happily go into the pool and play with some toys. We eventually moved on to lessons away from SNAPS and he now swims full lengths at our local pool. I thank SNAPS for this as I did wonder if he’d ever swim confidently.

“Thomas has grown more confident with SNAPS and loves helping the staff members welcome new families to the site no matter which site we go to. When the role of Junior Ambassador was advertised, I encouraged Thomas to apply as I felt that this would be a great opportunity for him to not only welcome new families but also help shape the future.

“More recently I have enjoyed having a massage, a great treat that has been added for parents. Thomas has joined TicToc, a new group for teenagers that has recently started at the Broomfield site.

“We both love being able to just drop in when we feel up to coming and that we are made welcome at either site. Chatting to other parents is good whilst Thomas plays. The fact that Thomas loves helping the volunteers and staff at either site and making sure new families are ok makes me so proud.”

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Siblings’ Story

Sarah Tulley — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:29:45 +0000

"We love SNAPS and we look forward to it every week."

“We have been coming to SNAPS for six years and the whole family have got so much out of it.

“The children have done swimming, dance, music, football, holiday activities and the stay and play sessions. As a parent, I’ve also used the counselling service and the parent massages.

“SNAPS is somewhere the children can just be themselves and have fun without any of us worrying about all the barriers and struggles there are with mainstream activities. It’s helped the children’s confidence and mental health massively and SNAPS is so important to them.

“It’s great to be around other families with children with disabilities. Everyone “gets it” and we all support each other. The staff are amazing and it really helps knowing they are there for support.

“We’ve all made some wonderful friends and we feel incredibly lucky to have SNAPS in our lives.

The children say: “We love SNAPS and we look forward to it every week.”

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Kieron and Kathy

Sarah Tulley — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:17:10 +0000

"It was great to find somewhere that we both felt we fitted in."

Kathy says: “Kieron and I started attending SNAPS because I wanted him to experience some of the things he couldn’t in a mainstream setting. He enjoyed meeting new friends and doing things like rebound, dance and more recently he’s been having hydrotherapy sessions which he loves. It was great to find somewhere that we both felt we fitted in.

“More recently I’ve joined in the carers groups, like the walk and talk and support group coffee mornings. I enjoy both these groups as it’s good to be with other parents/carers and have a chat with them. I also enjoy taking part in the crafts that we have at the coffee mornings. It’s nice to have something for me to do child free.

“One of Kieron’s favourite things has been the Superhero Challenge. He thoroughly enjoys taking part and feeling like a superhero ,even if it’s just for a day. There are no winners or losers in the challenge, and he can take his time and enjoy being with his SNAPS friends.

“Sports can be very challenging for Kieron due to his physical needs and there are lot of things he’s no longer allowed to do due to the restrictions of his condition, thankfully walking around a track at his own pace is something he can still do.

“He’s so happy when he gets a medal at the end of the challenge and truly feels like a superhero. I love seeing the huge smile on his face when he receives it.”

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Harrison and Fiona

Sarah Tulley — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 11:48:54 +0000

"I wouldn’t be the parent I am today without the support we have received."

Fiona says:
“Harrison first attended SNAPS at the age of 18 months. Walking through the doors that very first time, I was nervous, but I needn’t have been because it was like coming home, home to a family who truly understood.

“Harrison struggled with his gastro system since birth, feeding and severe GORD (Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease) was always such a painful struggle for him and he began his ‘tube feeding journey’ at just 6 weeks old. Since then, he has had multiple complex operations and was later fitted with a Gastrostomy tube directly into his stomach as a more permanent solution for his condition. Aside from navigating such complex medical needs Harrison is also Autistic and awaiting an assessment for ADHD.

“There are obviously huge barriers within our day to day lives which prevent us from accessing things but coming to SNAPS those barriers are immediately removed. Harrison has the freedom to explore his surroundings with people there who respect and understand his differing needs. He has built connections and formed friendships with others which has filled him with confidence. To see his happy smiling face when he knows we are coming to SNAPS is a huge reminder of what a strong, courageous, resilient young man I have the privilege of calling my son.

“Harrison had his first Hydrotherapy session after turning three years old. He began his journey very resistant to the pool, the water and the noise. Slowly, Harrison became more comfortable in his surroundings and after a term, Leanne was able to take him on his swimming journey and he has flourished ever since. I never expected the sheer strength and determination to prevail and for Harrison to love the water as much as he does. Water is his happy place and that is all down to Leanne’s tireless support, recognition of his needs and building a strong connection with him and always finding an approach that works. I am immensely proud of him and his confidence in the water.

“Harrison has accessed a number of different events over the years including football, dance and music, and we have built such a strong sense of belonging within SNAPS. I am extremely grateful for Jo’s constant unwavering support and knowing she is there for me as well as Harrison is hugely reassuring. I certainly wouldn’t be the parent I am today without the support we have received and I know that Harrison wouldn’t be the confident, determined young man he is either. Thank you for everything!”

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Lewis and family

Sarah Tulley — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 11:39:55 +0000

"We don't know where we would have been if it wasn't for SNAPS."

“Lewis was born with Cerebral Palsy, which affects all of his limbs and communication. We were told about SNAPS at a group we attended, and so thought we would give it a go. Lewis was 10 months old when we went. The staff made us feel at ease when we came in and there were lots of families who gave us support along the way as it was all new to us.

“Every week, we played in the hall and then Lewis was given a hydrotherapy slot. It took time for him to get used to it but he got on really well not realising he was working on his muscles whilst having fun in warm water. This gave me chance to talk to other parents and carers to get ideas and share experiences, and also made me feel a little human again.

“As time has gone on and I have had two other children, it has not been as easy to juggle things, but at SNAPS there is always a friendly member of staff to talk to and help in any way they can, as well as the families who look out for each other. My girls are able bodied and love to spend time supporting new families with their young children helping them to play whilst their parent or carer can have a chat with others. All of us have grown in confidence. It is lovely when Lewis’ sisters have been nominated for awards for being kind and caring, and I myself felt brave enough to become a Parent Trustee.

“Lewis is now 14 and still loves to attend and have hydro, which helps him in so many ways outside of SNAPS. We don’t know where we would have been if it wasn’t for SNAPS and the fantastic team.”

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Ayaan and Attia

Sarah Tulley — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 11:32:50 +0000

"SNAPS has a hugely positive impact on Ayaan's wellbeing."

Attia says: “Ayaan is autistic and has complex communication and sensory needs, resulting in significant anxiety.

“Leading up to him attending SNAPS, Ayaan didn’t want to leave the house. He wouldn’t attend any community activities and wouldn’t allow any visitors to come. We understood Ayaan needed to feel safe in his immediate environment and over time, this allowed us to try SNAPS. Ayaan attended his first ever SNAPS stay and play session in June 2022, and I knew then he would return the following week when he said: ‘goodbye SNAPS see you next Saturday’”

“SNAPS has always provided Ayaan with a safe play environment. Initially Ayaan would stay for shorts periods of time during the stay and play sessions and he would leave when he started to show slight signs of becoming overwhelmed or anxious. This worked well for Ayaan and he has always left SNAPS feeling positive, which has supported him to attend every weekend ever since.

“The team at SNAPS are amazing in facilitating him to settle with minimal demands or expectations, while providing him with consistent and familiar activities for him to access and engage with at his pace.

“In September 2022, Ayaan attended his first ever 1:1 swimming session at SNAPS which helped develop his confidence and love for the water. He loves his swimming teacher Leanne and the support she has provided Ayaan with during his swimming lessons has had a massive impact on his overall mental well-being. When he struggled during the week, he would think about SNAPS and look forward to attending on Saturday.

“SNAPS continues to a hugely positive impact on Ayaan’s overall wellbeing, and it continues to be the one and only activity he can access. I want to thank every member of the SNAPS team for supporting Ayaan and our family and being such a positive part of our lives. “

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Dan and Sam

Sarah Tulley — Fri, 03 May 2024 10:22:42 +0000

"SNAPS continues to be a joy, a sense of pride and an amazing community which we are proud to be part of."

Sam says: “Dan was born in 2001 with complex physical and learning disabilities. Looking after Dan was difficult, tiring, fun but challenging. We were very lucky to find a number of other families with young children who were also struggling to find adequate support. So, in conjunction with Anne Gait, six families got together in a drafty church hall and determined to set up a new charity called SNAPS.

“The idea was to support children with special needs, their families, siblings and parent or carers. We loved the idea that when we met other families, experiencing the same journey, we felt that SNAP! That’s how I feel. Sharing was so exciting and it was such a relief to know that we weren’t alone.

“Initially in 2004 we set up monthly ‘stay and play’ sessions and a newsletter, that was soon being sent out to over 100 families. Then we started hydrotherapy and added swimming lessons for the more able and for siblings. As we got better at fundraising, we added and tried out new services such as sing and signing, dance and trampolining.

“Dan loved attending, he absolutely loves swimming. I continued as Chair of SNAPS for 10 years  and I was so lucky in 2012 to be recognised for my volunteering role, as I was nominated as one of the Olympics torch bearers. 

“I am now honoured to be an Ambassador for SNAPS and extremely proud to support such a wonderful charity that is growing and supporting loads of families. Myself and Dan (who is now 22!) are so grateful for the support that SNAPS gave us, for the friendships that we made and for the empowerment that we gained through our work with the group. 

“SNAPS has, and continues to be a joy, a sense of pride and an amazing community which we are proud to be part of. We are so excited to see what the next 20 years brings and what will be the next chapter in the SNAPS story will be!”

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