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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…

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
  • Choose an airfield that suits you
  • Registration fee: £70
  • Minimum fundraising target: £395 (includes £200 to cover the cost of the jump)
  • Minimum age: 16 years old and over
  • Register here
Take the Leap – Skydive for SNAPS!

An unforgettable adrenaline rush awaits! Experience the thrill of a tandem skydive, freefalling while securely harnessed to a BPA-qualified instructor. It’s guaranteed to be one of the most exhilarating moments of your life. 

How it works 

We partner with Skyline, a trusted skydiving operator, to handle all logistics. 

When you register, you’ll select your preferred airfield and jump date. After signing up, our team will contact you to plan your big day! 

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 for £70 and commit to raising £395 in sponsorship. 

Funds should be raised two weeks before your jump, as SNAPS is invoiced in advance. 

Haven’t hit your target? No problem! You can still jump by paying the skydive cost on the day (usually £200–£299, depending on location). 

Join as a Team 

Looking for the ultimate team-building challenge? 

We’ll help you book your location, create a bespoke registration link, and support your team fundraising efforts. 

As a SNAPS Skydiver, You’ll Receive: 
  • A SNAPS t-shirt 
  • Dedicated fundraising support and tips 
  • A bespoke medal and certificate 
  • Updates on how your fundraising makes a difference 
  • Serious bragging rights! 
Ready to Jump? 

Register now via Skyline.

Or email us for more info: fundraising@snapsyorkshire.org 

Photo of large group of walkers together

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge (various dates)

Event details
  • Various dates available throughout 2026
  • Registration fee: £25.00
  • Minimum fundraising target: £200
  • Meeting point: Horton-in-Ribblesdale, BD24 0HA
  • Minimum age: 16 years old and over
  • Register here
Embark on an Unforgettable Adventure 

Join us for a test of endurance and spirit: the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge. 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. 

Challenge Highlights: 

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
What’s Included:  

Unmatched Pre-Event Preparation: Benefit from comprehensive build-up treks to get you ready. 

Guided Hike: Led by experienced Mountain Leaders. 

Safety Briefing: Detailed pre-event briefing to ensure you’re fully prepared. 

Checkpoints: Refresh at water checkpoints located at the 10 and 17-mile marks. 

Completion Medal: Celebrate your achievement with a commemorative finisher’s medal. 

Support Team: A dedicated team is on-hand to provide encouragement and first aid if needed. 

Additional Chances: Free place on future dates if you don’t finish the challenge. 

Return Transportation: Transport back to the start for anyone unable to complete the trek.

Please note, walkers must be aged 16 years or above on the day of the event. 

How to register: 

Please complete a registration form via the link below. 

Register here
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.

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