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Sam with her son, Dan

Dan and Sam

"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!”

 

 

Oliver with his mum, Jenny

Oliver and Jenny

"We can't imagine our lives without SNAPS now."

Jenny says: “Our first event with SNAPS was the Superhero Challenge, and it was so brilliant, we’ve never looked back.
 
“We originally came for our daughter Millie, but her brother Ollie gets as much out of coming as Millie. He can’t wait to come every week for football, to play in the hall and outside at Broomfield, as well as also going up to Pennyfield to help his best friend Archie and his transitions into swimming.
 
“Both children, myself and their dad have made lasting friendships through SNAPS and we’re so grateful for all their help and support. SNAPS provides us with a safe and understanding space where we feel at ease and comfortable.
 
“The staff are always so friendly and welcoming and have supported us to get other help or signposted us to organisations as well which has been invaluable. 
 
“We can’t imagine our lives without SNAPS now.” 
Manning Stainton/SNAPSPhotograph by Richard Walker/ImageNorth

Our 20th Birthday Party & Super Stars Awards

We were joined by SNAPS families, founders, Business Heroes, corporate supporters and local heroes to help celebrate our 20th birthday earlier this month.

There was a red carpet to welcome everyone, as well as party games, dancing, singing, crafting, a photo booth, magical drinks and of course, cake!

 

We didn’t only celebrate SNAPS and the work that we do, but also our amazing children with our annual Superstar Awards. Often, our families are told about all the things that their child won’t be able to do. At SNAPS, we celebrate all the things that they CAN do. We often find that with our support, children can achieve life changing milestones that other health professionals told them wouldn’t be possible, such as walking unaided. The SNAPS Super Stars Awards were all about recognising every child’s achievements.

A huge thank you to all of our sponsors who funded the morning and helped make it truly magical – Manning Stainton, Fletchers Group, Newton Waterproofing Systems, Ikon Design Ltd and Taylor Wimpey plc. And a big thank you to our incredible volunteers from Strata, Hippo and Fowler and Powell who worked hard throughout the morning to ensure decorations and balloons were ready, drinks were filled, cake was sliced and the craft table was full! You can find lots of photos of the event over at our Facebook page.

 

If you’re looking for the perfect way to wish us a happy birthday, we’re encouraging supporters to make a one off donation of £20 to celebrate our 20 years. By donating £20 today, you can help ensure SNAPS is still here tomorrow and for years to come. Click here to make a donation. 

 

National Lottery Community Fund logo

National Lottery Award Funding

SNAPS is delighted to have received a grant of £9,312 from the Awards for All National Lottery Community Fund, towards services at our Penny Field site. 

The funding will be used to provide hydrotherapy, swimming, music lessons, dance sessions and stay and play activities. 

SNAPS is very grateful to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting our vital work. 

Little boy wearing superhero costume

Do your own thing for SNAPS

With your help, we can make the impossible, possible for children with additional needs! 

SNAPS helps around 180 families per month. Over 90% of families attending SNAPS see improved mental health for them and their children, improved feelings of isolation and improved feelings of happiness! 

It costs £47 to deliver one SNAPS physiotherapy session. As we receive no government funding to deliver our services, we rely on fundraising to deliver vital support to families.  

You can read more about some of our families and the difference our support has made to their lives at the meet the families part of our website.

By fundraising for SNAPS, every pound you raise will make such a difference!  

If you’d like to help support SNAPS’ work, please fill out our form to let us know about your plans, and we will support you every step of the way! 

Complete the form here
“I cannot express enough how grateful my family and I are for the unwavering care and attention that SNAPS has provided, it’s truly been a lifeline for us.” 
Florence and her family
Tim
Two people taking part in a tandem skydive in the air

Skydive for SNAPS (various dates)

  • Various dates available
  • Various locations throughout the UK
  • Registration fee: £70
  • Minimum fundraising target: £395 (includes £200 to cover the cost of the jump)
  • Minimum age: 16 years old and over
  • Sign up: fundraising@snapsyorkshire.org
An unforgettable adrenaline rush!

A tandem skydive allows you to enjoy an incredible freefall harnessed to the front of a BPA-qualified instructor. It will be the most exhilarating experience of your life! 

How it works 

We use a skydiving operator who will coordinate all the logistics of your skydive.  

When you sign up, you can choose to complete your jump from one of the many airfields across the UK. You can also let us know your preferred jump dates. 

After your sign up, we will be in touch with you to plan your big jump! 

Two people jumping out of a plane, taking part in a tandem skydive in the air
Two people taking part in a tandem skydive in the air
Costs 

Register today for just £70 when you commit to a £395 sponsorship target. 

We ask our skydivers to raise their £395 two weeks before their jump date if possible. This is because SNAPS is invoiced for the cost of your jump beforehand. 

If you haven’t raised the £395 then you can still take part. You will  just need to pay for the cost of your skydive when you arrive. This is usually between £200-£299, depending on the jump site. 

Join as a Team 

Take on the ultimate team building experience with your colleagues. We’ll help you to  book your jump location, provide your team with a bespoke registration link and guide you with your team fundraising! 

 For more information, please email:  fundraising@snapsyorkshire.org  

What happens next? 

As a SNAPS Skydiver, you will receive: 

  • A SNAPS t-shirt 
  • Dedicated fundraising support and tips to help you reach your target 
  • A bespoke certificate  
  • Updates on how your fundraising helps 
  • Top bragging rights! 

Contact us for more information and to book your epic freefall by emailing: fundraising@snapsyorkshire.org  

 

Photo of large group of walkers together

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge (various dates)

Event details
  • Various dates available
  • Registration fee: £25.00
  • Minimum fundraising target: £200
  • Meeting point: Horton-in-Ribblesdale, BD24 0HA
  • Minimum age: 16 years old and over
  • Sign up: fundraising@snapsyorkshire.org
Embark on an Unforgettable Adventure 

Join us for a test of endurance and spirit for the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge! We invite you to conquer Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough, all within 12 hours. This 24-mile trek through the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park promises breathtaking views, personal triumphs, and the camaraderie of fellow adventurers. 

The Mountains: 

Pen-y-ghent (694m): The first peak, offering a sharp pulse enhancing ascent followed by rewarding views from the summit. 

Whernside (736m): The highest of the three, providing panoramic vistas of the Yorkshire landscape. 

Ingleborough (723m): The final challenge, with its distinctive shape and dramatic plateau. 

View of Yorkshire Three Peaks walkers in the countryside near a large bridge
A group of walkers

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

By signing up to take part, you’ll receive: 

  • A SNAPS t-shirt 
  • Fundraising tips and support 
  • A bespoke certificate  
  • Optional free training walks in the lead up to the event 
  • Optional inclusion in a Whatsapp group, to get know others taking part in the challenge and share training tips and support 
  • A dedicated team to help you every step of the way 
  • A finishers goody bag 
  • Top bragging rights! 

You’ll be guided in this event by our expert activity providers, who will ensure you find your way and are safe and sound.  

Please note that we work hard to make our events as accessible as possible, however, if you’re unsure if you’re able to take part, please email fundraising@snapsyorkshire.org to discuss any queries.

There are plenty of dates available for this challenge, so just get in touch to book the perfect time for you. 

Please email the fundraising team for further information or to book a place: fundraising@snapsyorkshire.org

SNAPS logo

SNAPS AGM

SNAPS is delighted to invite you to our AGM on Saturday 27th January at 10am at Broomfield SILC.  Please see attached documents for further information.

Lora Bedford and family

Phoenix and Lora on BBC Radio 2

The amazing Phoenix was invited to share his thoughts on SNAPS on BBC Radio 2, as part of the run up to Children in Need. Phoenix attended the BBC’s studios with his mum, Lora, where they were interviewed about their experiences of SNAPS and how much of a difference our services have made to them. 

We are so proud of Phoenix and what he has achieved at SNAPS.

If you want to listen out on BBC Radio 2, you might hear the replay of Phoenix over the next few days but can also listen to it here.

Phoenix is proof that the services that SNAPS provide really does make a positive different to the children we work with. 

If you would like to donate to help keep these vital services available, you can do so here.

Florence and Leanne

Florence’s Swimming Journey at SNAPS

SNAPS and Leanne have been extremely lucky to be finalists in this years aquatic excellence awards with the STA, in the categories for ‘not for profit organization of the year’ and ‘swimming teacher of the year’.

To even be considered for this is such a privilege. Here, Leanne shares her experience of one of our fantastic swimmers, Florence, to showcase  why swimming at SNAPS is so important.

Leanne says: “Florence took my hand and led me on her swimming journey in September 2021. One year prior, she had survived a very rare pediatric stroke and was adapting to a completely new way of life. The moment I saw her medical history alongside her age, I was in shock. How could someone so small survive something so big?! Then I met Florence and it all made sense. She is bold, brave, courageous, and resilient. She had no boundaries, her world in the water was limitless. This might be another day at work for me, but for Florence it was a world in which she could thrive, be the best and try her hand at just about anything. It was a safe space.

“Walking in that door each week with a smile on her face and a ‘can do’ attitude, she quickly progressed through the Rockhopper badges. She of course went beyond the badge skills, and learned how to forward roll, surface dive and complete a kneeling dive. These are skills ordinarily reserved for swimmers who can swim all four strokes!

Florence
“Florence was always one step ahead of me, so she had her first attempt at mainstream swimming. Unfortunately, this led to a huge knock to her confidence. This was absolutely not Florence’s fault. When she returned to me at SNAPS, you would have thought nothing of it, as she got straight in and straight to work without hesitation. The resilience will forever amaze me. Florence was enjoying her time in the water and once again, achieving badges faster than ever expected! 
 
“Take 2…lets try this again. It was time to meet Ethan at Swimbrite Swimming School. Florence was understandably very anxious about trying mainstream lessons again, so her family were able to arrange a 1.1 with Ethan to help her settle. I went along with her, and Ethan gave us both a lesson! Florence and Ethan clicked immediately, he took the time to get to know her and her confidence flourished once again.
 
Ethan explains: “When Florence first came with me, I was unsure what to expect. As soon as she climbed in she had the biggest smile on her face and was so confident in the water. It was amazing to see. Half way through the lesson, Leanne was able to step out as Florence was growing in confidence, which was amazing!
 
“Following this, Florence joined one of my group lessons with five other children, all around the same ability as her. The first week, she had all of her swimming aids: armbands and pool noodle. I was unsure how Florence would compare to the other swimmers, as they had all been in lessons with me the previous term. In only three weeks in however, I was very happy to see that she was one of the strongest swimmers in the class. She has made such huge progress in such a small space of time and is now swimming independently without armbands or floats. She is amongst the strongest swimmers in the group. I really enjoy teaching Florence. It is amazing to see how much she has progressed in such a small space of time!”
 
Leanne continues: “Florence entered the SNAPS pool for the first time in September 2021. By September 2023, she is swimming in a mainstream group lesson with five others and is swimming unaided, and with a beautiful stroke I might add!
 
“She has overcome more than any child at her age should have to, and her bravery and resilience is a testament to her character and her amazing family. SNAPS gave her the best start to her swimming journey, giving her time to build strength in her left side and allowing her to keep up with her peers. She however, brought to SNAPS a whole lot of bravery, strength and resilience of her own. She also took away all of our hearts as she walked out the door!”
Florence and Leanne
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