Throughout the week we’re spreading the word of how SNAP works with families to ensure they have the help they need, the importance of our preschool sessions, as well as help the public better understand why so many families badly need SNAP’s support.
Why SNAP’s help is needed now more than ever before
The early years are challenging for any parent; routines are new, support networks are thin, and everything feels unfamiliar. But for families who have a child with an additional need or disability, this can be one of the scariest and loneliest times.
More and more families are seeking our help, particularly those with preschool aged children. Often these parents and carers have little or no help and are unsure how to support their child’s needs. They do not want to take their child to mainstream preschool services, because of the judgement they experience, lack of understanding and/or specialist equipment. To access much of the existing SEND support, a diagnosis is needed. However, families are facing record breaking delays with waiting lists for health appointments, and up to 2 years to receive a diagnosis for their child. There is little support for families whilst their child awaits diagnosis, and follow-on support feels like a lottery, leaving families unsure where to turn for support.
That’s why at SNAP we:
- Do not require a diagnosis or professional referral to access support. If a parent has any concerns about their child however big or small they can pick up the phone and talk to one of our team or email us for advice and guidance.
- Offer activities in a safe, non-judgemental, and inclusive environment for children with any additional need or disability.
- Offer parents and carers guidance, connection, and reassurance when they need it most.
- Are here for the whole family so that they know they are not alone. Together we’re creating a community across Essex that understands, listens, and lifts each other up.
We are here to help.
We have some fantastic information sheets covering all sorts of topics for families including our new Neurodivergence in pre-schoolers guide, as well as hundreds of helpful contacts on our Online Directory, and Survival Guides, including one specially for the summer holidays.
If you have questions about SNAP or would like to speak to one of our Family Support Advisers, call our Helpline on 01277 211300.
Support SNAP – Donate between the 23 – 30 June to SNAP’s Big Give page and double the difference your gift will make! SNAP Awareness Week 2025 coincides with Big Give’s Small Charity Week. During this week only, each donation given to SNAP’s Big Give page, will be matched, up to £10,000!
Meet Lisa
Lisa and her son, Stanley, started coming to SNAP 2 years ago. Lisa said, “We first came to SNAP when Stanley was diagnosed and was non-verbal…when the diagnosis came it was like being plunged into a black hole where no one else had been. But SNAP was total support from the minute I made the phone call. It felt as if someone had our back.”
“SNAP is a place of safety where we can both be ourselves. We never feel judged. Here everyone just gets it.”
“Us mums need support so it’s a big deal that we can make friendships. I have met up with other parents outside of SNAP and we can all discuss problems that are relevant to us…when you have a child with SEND you need people who understand.”
“I see Stanley play in a different way at SNAP. He is not trying to fit in… here he is his genuine self…He leaves SNAP a completely different child. His whole persona is lifted.”
“I can’t put it into words how special (SNAP) is. I have never been anywhere I’ve felt this level of acceptance and love that everybody gives here…from the people that run it to the people who make the tea.”
Donate to SNAP
One donation, twice the impact!
Between 23 – 30 June, SNAP is participating in the Big Give’s Small Charity Week. During this week only, each donation given on SNAP’s Big Give page will be doubled up to £10,000!
The money you raise will go towards:
All the money raised will support our preschool services. This year we will provide around 75 preschool sessions, supporting approximately 140 different children from 110 different local families. These sessions have significant waiting lists and currently do not have any funding.
Preschool Sessions
We provide three, two-hour pre-school sessions during term time that focus on early developmental skills including sensory, social and motor skills, communication, and confidence. We are constantly adapting our sessions to the needs of the children attending to make sure every child, no matter their needs, is included.
Parent and Carer Support
We provide bespoke advice, strategies and guidance to each family. We also work closely with NHS Multi-disciplinary Assessment Clinic at Brentwood Community
Hospital, so that we’re there at the point of diagnosis, helping parents to understand the plethora of information they are given and provide follow-on support.
A community that just ‘gets it’
We aim to support the whole family. Our Family Support Advisers are here to listen, provide advice, strategies and make sure families know they are not facing the future alone. Throughout all of our activities we are helping families to meet others who are experiencing the same challenges and joys. Together we are building a network of support and understanding across Essex.
“Behind every child who needs support is a parent who does too.”
Activities for Children & Young People
Encourage your school to take part in one of our exciting activities and raise funds to support children & young people with additional needs.
- Extra Terrestrial Toddle – Organise a sponsored walk and find our missing aliens
- Silly Socks Day
- Junior Try-A-Tri – on Sunday 29th June at The Brentwood Centre
- Shake your pom poms! – Click to find out more
“Shake your pom poms” featured in our first Awareness Week back in 2019! It’s back and a brilliantly fun and inclusive way for our pre-schoolers to celebrate, move, and make some noise for SNAP!
We will be encouraging our community to sponsor their child during one of the three preschool sessions in awareness week. Register today and we’ll send you a fundraising kit with everything you need to get started.
Shout about SNAP
- Share your story – share the difference SNAP has made to your family. #Love4SNAP
- Host an awareness coffee morning – Register today and we’ll send you a fundraising kit with everything you need to prepare for your coffee morning.
- Raise awareness of SNAP on your social media
- Order a SNAP pin badge – Call 01277 245345 or email [email protected] to place your order
Volunteer with SNAP
Below are a few opportunities YOU can get involved with during SNAP Awareness Week:
Events happening throughout the week...
Shake your pom-poms
Monday – during SNAP on a Monday
Thursday – during SNAP on a Thursday
Friday – during SNAP on a Friday
“Shake your pom-poms” featured in our first Awareness Week back in 2019! It’s back and a brilliantly fun and inclusive way for our pre-schoolers to celebrate, move, and make some noise for SNAP!
Try-A-Tri
Sunday 29th June 8:00am – 12:00pm
Come and try a bite-sized duathlon or triathlon featuring 2 or 3 of the elements of Swim Bike and Run in aid of SNAP!
These events are for everyone and will allow you to build your confidence in a fun and welcoming environment.
If you’ve ever considered the idea of taking on a triathlon, then this is a great taster challenge, TRY it out with the full support of trained athletes and the local community cheering you on.
You might also be interested in
Follow Us
Helpline: 01277 211300
Email: [email protected]
9.00am until 4.00pm Monday to Thursday
and 9.00am until 3.00pm on Friday.
Volunteer for SNAP
Helping out at our centre or supporting one of our many activities. Find out more »
