Sisters out of SIBS

 

Caitlin and Belle have been friends for 15 years. Because of SIBS4FUN Week, they met and a beautiful friendship formed. Now, they’ve become flatmates, renting together in Greenwich, London.

Both girls were aware of SNAP from a young age because their brothers and parents were receiving support from the charity.

Caitlin shares, “I have a younger brother called Jack who is Autistic. We found SNAP when he was 2 and was waiting for a diagnosis – he is now 16 and still LOVES coming to SNAP.”

“Belle and I first met at SIBS4FUN, it was my first SIBS and Belle’s 6th year back in 2013. I was very reluctant to come as I thought I would be too old! My mum really encouraged me to go but I was still nervous when I arrived. Karen introduced me to Belle and some other really lovely girls. Very quickly we all became friends and named ourselves after the Spice Girls!”

SIBS4FUN is a summer scheme especially for children whose brothers and sisters have additional needs. It is a chance for them to meet and connect with other children their own age growing up in similar situations. It is also a great opportunity for them to experience a wide range of creative and sporting activities, whilst building confidence and having lots of fun.

The siblings attend all four days providing parents with a wonderful opportunity to spend time with their child with additional needs knowing that the other children are having a fantastic time.

“There are so many things we have SNAP to thank for, and now we’ve added roommates to that list.”

Caitlin and Belle continued to be part of SIBS4FUN Week for 9 consecutive years together throughout their teen years until the end of university – moving through the ranks from SIBS to Helpers to Support Workers.

Caitlin shares, “I am so lucky to have had so much involvement with SNAP outside of SIBS too (they can’t get rid of me!). I became part of the incredible team between 2022 – 2024 as the Services Support Assistant, being in sessions with the families was so rewarding, I loved giving back.”

“Jack loves Social Club during term time and in the holidays, this is also an opportunity for mum to chat to other mums and the wonderful staff at SNAP, who have always been there whether that’s a shoulder to cry on or to laugh with. We know the team are always only a phone call away, but we value the in-person advice as it’s not always easy to talk on the phone. We have also used their counselling services, grandparent coffee mornings and training webinars. SNAP is a family that all the Cables are lucky to be a part of.”

For Belle, SNAP has supported her family since her brother was first diagnosed 17 years ago, giving advice, support and a safe space for the whole family. Belle sought support from SNAP the year her brother moved into residential care, when she was a SIBS leader, in 2024. Karen,  SNAP’s CEO, caught up with Belle and advised her on getting some counselling sessions at the Centre. This really supported Belle through an incredibly tough time and helped her navigate her brother moving and how to cope with the change.

Find out more about our sibling support here.

Siblings can attend our after-school clubs and holiday activity sessions. Please contact our Services Team to find out more information, email [email protected].

Top tips for supporting your sibling

Two of our Family Support Advisers, Sasha and Olivia, have lived experience being siblings themselves of teens with additional needs. Here, they share some tips that have helped them.

• Understanding is key. If you can understand why your siblings do or don’t do certain things, it can make it easier for you to process.  Reading books or watching videos can be helpful.
• Not taking things too personally. Neurodivergent emotions can be tricky to understand and witness, but bear in mind that while in the red zone, they are not thinking rationally about what they are doing or saying – don’t hold a grudge against them.
• Patience! As hard as this may be, it is so important to be patient. Your sibling may need longer to process information or may not do things in the way that you think. Don’t lose your temper, take three deep breaths and be patient with them.
• Keep yourself safe. If your sibling is bubbling or having a meltdown and you know that they can be aggressive or violent, take yourself away from the situation. Maybe to a calm corner, sit with your favourite book/blanket/teddy and take deep breaths.
• Write down how you feel and share this with a worry monster.
• Develop a non-verbal symbol, sign or word with a sibling to show them that you are there, and that you care. (For Sasha, she and her brother hold up a finger like ET does).