(This editorial appeared in the Brentwood Gazette, Wednesday 24th December 2008)

Special needs children and their families have been celebrating Christmas at a party organised by their carers.  The party organised by Brentwood charity SNAP (Special Needs And Parents) saw 134 children enjoy two bouncy castles, a ball pond, face painting, fun nails and tattoos, biscuit decorating and arts and crafts.

There was also a magician, a children's entertainer, a disco and a chill-out zone for youngsters who needed some quiet time.

The children have a wide variety of disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome.  The party was sponsored by the charitable trust Wipe Away Those Tears, which helps families who have children with disabilities and special needs by providing equipment and holidays.

Jason O'Shea, founding trustee of Wipe Away Those Tears, attended the party along with two other trustees.  He said: "We think SNAP is a fantastic charity and we have worked closely with them over the past few years.  It was nice to be able to do something that has had a beneficial impact on such a large group of families who have children with disabilities.  SNAP has put on a brilliant party and it's great to see all the smiles of happiness on these children's faces."

The SNAP Centre was officially opened by HRH The Countess of Wessex last May and since then the SNAP staff and volunteers have been exceptionally busy setting up a wide range of services to help families who have children and young people with special needs and disabilities. 

Despite the upheaval of the move and the challenges of taking on and settling into a new building, the charity quickly transferred the information services and activities that had previously been provided at Keys Hall.  These include the Family Newsletter, SNAP Directory and Summer Survival Guide.  The fabulous new surroundings make the visits by parents for benefit surgeries, counselling, face2face advice sessions and parent courses so much more pleasant and comfortable.
 
The SNAP specialist library of books, videos, DVDs, information sheets and leaflets has greatly improved with its dedicated room and fully computerised circulation system.  The library is available to parents, carers, and professionals who call into the centre or use the postal service.
 
The SNAP Centre has a multi-sensory room, a specialist IT suite and a children's activity hall and a range of new activities have been introduced.  SNAP supports children and young people aged 0 - 25 years with any special need or disability and does this by providing pre-school groups, multi-sensory room sessions, music therapy, drama therapy, yoga club, trampoline clubs, IT sessions, after school and holiday activity sessions and events and family outings.  SNAP is also keen to support siblings through various events, days, outings and an activity week in the summer holidays.
 
SNAP is run by a small staff team supported by 55 volunteers.  At this time when the first year in The SNAP Centre has been completed, SNAP would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all its volunteers for their time and dedication and for their part in helping to make SNAP such a successful charity.
 
SNAP relies on grants and donations for its existence and the charity's success and the realisation of The SNAP Centre are due to the incredible financial support that has been received from so many individuals and organisations.  SNAP would like to give heartfelt thanks to them all.