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Our latest Impact Report

We’re very pleased to share our latest Impact Report, which illustrates the support we’ve been able to provide to children with additional needs and their families over the past 12 months.

We’re proud of everything that we’ve achieved over the past year, including: 

Support for 180 families every month across Leeds and West Yorkshire
341 hydrotherapy sessions
204 swimming lessons
174 stay and play sessions
40 dance sessions
10 family support sessions

…and much more!

Our report isn’t just about numbers, though. We also wanted to hear directly from the families we work with to find out how our services have helped them. Through our impact questionnaire, we were told that:  

Over 90% of families attending SNAPS have seen improved mental health for them and their children, improved feelings of isolation and improved feelings of happiness. 

83% of families saw improvements to their child’s physical health with 73% reporting improvements to their child’s pain.

100% of families who attend SNAPS with a sibling without additional needs saw an improvement to their feelings of happiness.

We couldn’t have achieved this without the hard work of our amazing team, our brilliant supporters and of course the amazing children and their families that we work with! 

To read the SNAPS Impact Report 2024 in full, click the button below. 

View the SNAPS 2024 Impact Report in full here
Mark Bramfitt

Mark Bramfitt raises over £3,000 for SNAPS! 

Our friend Mark Bramfitt has once again undertaken a fundraising challenge for SNAPS, this time raising over £3,000!

Mark raised the funds by completing a sponsored football themed distance challenge using the cycle, row and cross trainer machines at his gym. He completed over 435 km, the equivalent of travelling between Leeds, Manchester United and Liverpool football stadiums!

Both Mark and his wife, Ann, are passionate about supporting children’s charities. They chose to raise money for SNAPS as their grandson, Jack, faces challenges from acute epilepsy and cerebral palsy because of complications at birth. Jack and his family come to SNAPS sessions at Penny Fields school, where he enjoys hydrotherapy and rebound therapy.

Ann says: “It’s heartwarming to see how much Jack enjoys his sessions with SNAPS, and we’ve really witnessed him growing stronger and more confident along the way.”

 

This isn’t the first time that Mark has raised money for SNAPS, having raised over £4,500 for SNAPS previously through two challenges, including a step challenge. Mark says: “Every child deserves the very best that life has to offer. SNAPS is such a great setting for families to meet and provide mutual support. It’s so important for families with children with additional needs to know that they are not alone.” 

Mark is also the Development Manager and Coach for North East Leeds Juniors. He believes that football should be for everyone, regardless of their abilities, and he’s committed to never turning a child away. He says: “I’ve had kids with additional needs join our sessions, and it fills me with joy to see them progress. I truly believe in the power of sports to boost confidence, teach valuable life skills, and promote the importance of exercise and being outdoors.

“Before Jack came into our lives, we didn’t know much about children with complex and additional needs, but we’ve learned so much since. These kids are incredibly special and deserve every chance to live life to the fullest, no matter what extra support they might need.”

A huge thank you to Mark and Ann from all of us at SNAPS! You are an inspiration and your fundraising efforts are hugely appreciated. Every penny raised makes such a huge difference and helps us to keep doing what we do. 

Inspired by Mark? Find out more about fundraising for SNAPS here.

Howard Pickles

Howard Pickles

21st January 1961 – 15th June 2024

We were incredibly sad to hear that our good friend Howard Pickles passed away last month. 

Howard had been Treasurer on SNAPS’ Board of Trustees since 2017 helping us to ensure that SNAPS’ finances were in the best possible health.  His expert knowledge and advice were incredibly valuable to the management of SNAPS and helped ensure that the charity remained in a solid financial position.  As well as his financial acumen, Howard was a skilled photographer who gave his time willingly to beautifully capture the key moments at SNAPS’ events.  He was fantastic with SNAPS’ staff, volunteers and families, and his cheeky grin always managed to generate a true smile from his subjects.  I am sure everyone who came to SNAPS Superhero Challenge will remember him fondly.

Howard was generous with his time, expertise, and the care he showed to everyone who met him.  We send our love to Anne, James, Kate and all his family at this difficult time.  We will miss his knowledge, sense of humour and kindness greatly but his incredible support of SNAPS, in so many ways, will leave a lasting legacy that no one will forget. 

-Lucy Owen, Chief Executive, SNAPS 

Lora and Phoenix with CBeebies presenter George Webster

Phoenix visits the BBC

You might remember the brilliant Phoenix and his mum, Lora, featuring on BBC Radio 2 last year, where they talked all about SNAPS as part of BBC Children in Need.

Following the interview,  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. Vernon had completed an epic 115 mile journey, raising over £5 million.

Well, Phoenix was such a hit with the BBC team that he and Lora were recently invited to meet with Vernon Kay once again, this time as part of a special surprise event to celebrate Vernon’s incredible achievement. Phoenix and Lora went along to the BBC at MediaCityUK in Salford, where Phoenix was brought out as a special surprise guest for Vernon, who was so delighted that he offered to take Phoenix to a Bolton Wanderers game!

Phoenix and Lora were then given the opportunity to go behind the scenes, visiting a number of sets including Match of the Day and CBeebies, where they bumped into presenter George Webster! 

Well done Phoenix, you’re a natural media star and we’re sure this isn’t the last time you’ll be visiting the BBC studios!

You can read more about Phoenix and his family here. 

Phoenix & Lora with Ashley Jean-Baptiste
Child Friendly Leeds Awards 2024

Child Friendly Leeds Awards Winners!

Members of the SNAPS team attended the Child Friendly Leeds Awards 2024 at the City Varieties Music Hall in Leeds yesterday.

It was a fantastic evening,  made even better when SNAPS was announced as winner of “Exceptional Contribution to the Child Friendly Leeds 12 Wishes!”

This award recognises the individuals, projects and organisations who have positively contributed to one of the Child Friendly Leeds 12 wishes, which were developed with children and young people across Leeds in 2022. The judges had received over 300 nominations, so we were thrilled just to be shortlisted!

Child Friendly Leeds is all about creating better outcomes for children and young people in Leeds, something that we truly believe in here at SNAPS. We’re absolutely delighted to have our work recognised in this way and would like to congratulate all of the winners of the 2024 awards.

Our Chief Executive, Lucy Owen, says: “It was amazing to hear about the organisations and individuals doing amazing things for young people across our city at the Child Friendly Leeds Awards.

“The Exceptional Contribution to the Child Friendly Leeds 12 Wishes Award is so important because it’s all about children’s voices being heard. This accolade is testament to our amazing staff and volunteer team, and of course our fabulous families, who make SNAPS the incredible place it is!”

You can find out more about Child Friendly Leeds here.

MFVC logo (1)

Vote for SNAPS in the My Favourite Voucher Codes Charity Poll!

We’re delighted that SNAPS has been selected as one of the charities for the My Favourite Voucher Codes July charity poll.   

Every month, My Favourite Voucher Codes give four charities the chance to win a donation of 20% of their profits.

Throughout the month, the public gets to vote for the charity they want to see win, and the charity with the most votes at the end of July will win the donation.

We would be very grateful if you could spare 30 seconds to vote for SNAPS!

Here’s how to vote:

  • Click on the My Favourite Voucher Codes homepage
  • Scroll until you see the poll on the right hand side (bottom of the page on mobile phones)
  • Click the small circle next to SNAPS to cast your free vote
  • The poll runs from 1st to 31st

You do not need to use any vouchers to vote, and everyone gets one vote – so make sure to share with your friends and family.

Thank you for your continued support! 

5E6A2784

SNAPS Superhero Challenge returns for 2024

Our annual SNAPS Superhero Challenge is returning to Leeds this September! 

Taking place at the John Charles Centre for Sport on Sunday, 8th September, the Superhero Challenge gives children the chance to zoom around a 400m athletics track. Each child can decide on their own distance target. They may choose to go halfway round, the full way round or keep going many times. They can choose to either run or walk, and those requiring a wheelchair, walker or pushchair can wheel around the track too.

Each child will receive a superhero cape, a goody bag and a special medal to mark their achievement. There will also be a host of fun family activities including:

  • Giant bouncy castle
  • Face painting
  • Arts and crafts
  • Children’s entertainers
  • Real life superheroes
  • Gentle therapy animals
  • The chance to look around emergency services vehicles

…and much more!

We’re very grateful to our event sponsors Irwin Mitchell and Taylor Wimpey, and excited to welcome special guests including the Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Leeds and the Leeds Children’s Mayor.  

SNAPS’ services receive no government funding, and all funds raised from the Superhero Challenge will go towards our vital work.

Tim Wyatt, whose family has been supported by SNAPS since his daughter Florence suffered a very rare paediatric stroke just before her third birthday, says: “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 charity has truly been a lifeline for us during a very challenging time.

“Doing the Superhero Challenge is a real highlight of our family’s year and the perfect way to celebrate all the hard-fought rehabilitation victories in my daughter Florence’s journey. We’re counting down the days to this year’s event, ready to create more unforgettable moments of joy and triumph!”

Lisa Morton, Head of Fundraising at SNAPS, said: “We are so excited for this year’s Superhero Challenge. Last year’s event was attended by over 100 children and was jam-packed with entertainment, and we are going bigger and better this year! The Superhero Challenge offers a safe and inclusive way for ALL families to come together and have fun.

Tickets cost £5 per child (adults go free). Find out more about the Superhero Challenge 2024 here and book tickets here. 

Young child enjoying Hydrotherapy with a physio

SNAPS awarded grant from Postcode Neighbourhood Trust

We are absolutely delighted to share the news that we have been awarded a grant of £25,000 from Postcode Neighbourhood Trust!

 

Postcode Neighbourhood Trust supports smaller charities and good causes in the North of England, to make a difference to their community for the benefit of people and planet.

 

These funds will help us to deliver our vital support services for children with additional needs and their families.

We would like to say a huge thank you to players of People’s Postcode Lottery for making this possible. 

Florence and her family

Florence and family

"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. 

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. 

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