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Lora Bedford and family

Phoenix and family

"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. 

Stacey, and her son, Lars

Lars and Stacey

"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!”

Broomfield Jan 2460

Thomas & Sarah

"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.”

Elin & Rowan

Siblings’ Story

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

Kieron & Kathy

Kieron and Kathy

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

Portraits-12

Harrison and Fiona

"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!”

Lewis and his family

Lewis and family

"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.”

Attia and her son, Ayaan

Ayaan and Attia

"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. “

Time to celebrate wide (English)

Celebrating our volunteers

This week is Volunteers Week, a chance to recognise, celebrate and thank the UK’s incredible volunteers for all they contribute to our local communities.

SNAPS was founded by a small group of volunteers and, 20 years later, they remain very much at the heart of our charity. So, we couldn’t let this week pass us by without taking the opportunity to say a huge thank you to our wonderful team of volunteers. Volunteers are integral to SNAPS and support us in so many ways. We couldn’t do what we do without them!

Volunteering with SNAPS is hugely rewarding. Here are some thoughts from just some of our wonderful volunteers.

“Volunteering at SNAPS is a way to utilise and extend my skills and experience to support a cause I am passionate about. I particularly like that SNAPS not only supports children and young people and their parents, but also their grandparents and siblings and other relatives, and I love working with such a supportive team.

“If you’re able to volunteer, you should go for it! You will feel valued and you can make a difference!”

– Laura, Admin Support Volunteer

“I started volunteering at SNAPS last year and I’ve absolutely loved it! I really wanted to gain some hands-on experience with hydrotherapy to further my knowledge for my university degree of Physiotherapy – SNAPS is the perfect opportunity to do so! 

 “Working with the children and families is so rewarding, and my favourite thing is to see the children’s faces light up when they get into the pool. It’s amazing to see how they can develop over weekly sessions and how their confidence can change. Thank you SNAPS for this opportunity!” 

-Niamh, Volunteer at Penny Field 

“As a student nurse, I wanted to discover how care needs differ for people with learning difficulties. I can then apply what I learn at SNAPS and ensure I am able to provide the best care possible to people with learning difficulties or disabilities. 

“I enjoy working at SNAPS as I am able to work with lots of different children with a range of learning needs. I am glad I am able to give some of my time to support an organisation that is so important for the children and families that use this service.”

–William, volunteer at Penny Field

“I first started volunteering for SNAPS as a way to gain experience ahead of my physiotherapy degree. Five years later, I am still here! It is hard to describe the impact the children and families have had on me over the years, but I am so proud to have been a small part of their journeys.

“SNAPS is one of those places that is hard to let go of and I encourage anyone who is thinking of volunteering for them to give it a go!”

– Becki, volunteer at Penny Field

“I am excited in connecting with the children and their parents. It is fulfilling about working for the children and play with them. I am enjoying it!”

-Kelvin, volunteer at Penny Field

If you’re interested in volunteering, we have lots of opportunities available, such as helping to raise funds for our services, spread the word about what we do, working at our events, or assisting at our sites in Penny Field or Broomfield. 

Volunteering with us is a wonderful chance to help with children with additional needs and their families, whilst having lots of fun! Here at SNAPS, we are a supportive team and aim to help our volunteers reach their own personal and career goals.

If you are able to offer a few hours a week to help us, we would love to hear from you. Find out more about our volunteering opportunities here. 

Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge

Strata & SNAPS take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks

They did it! A huge congratulations and thank you to all of the members of the SNAPS and  Strata teams who took on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge.

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is 24-miles (38.6km) round trip route, and includes 1585m (5200ft) of ascent. Ingleborough, Whernside, Pen-y-ghent.

The weather conditions were as tough as the terrain, but the group did an amazing job of staying in good spirits and completing the trio of mountains.

Between them, the team have so far raised over £5,800. We are so grateful to each and every member of the team, you all did an amazing job. A huge thank you to our friends at Strata and also to David and the team from Ikigai Adventures their support and leadership of the challenge.

Watch this space for more adventures in the future…

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