SNAP Awareness Week – 20 to 28 June 2026

Not every need or disability is visible — but understanding, patience and inclusion can change someone’s entire world.  

Every day, families caring for children with additional needs or disabilities navigate challenges that many people never see. From attending appointments and advocating for support, to managing routines, education, healthcare, and everyday activities, these families often face additional pressures that can affect every aspect of daily life. 

SNAP Awareness Week is our opportunity to highlight the realities of these experiences, celebrate the strengths of the families we support, and encourage greater understanding beyond our community. By sharing stories, we hope to raise awareness of both the challenges they face and the importance of SNAP to these families in need.  

As a charity, we are committed to standing alongside these families every step of the way. We provide opportunities for children and young people with additional needs or disabilities to access activities, build confidence and develop friendships. We also offer support, advice and information to parents, carers, and siblings, helping them to grow in strength and knowledge, reduce isolation, and create a sense of community where families feel understood and supported.

Why SNAP’s help is needed now more than ever before

More and more families are seeking our help.  

Families are facing record breaking delays with waiting lists for health appointments, and up to two 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. To access much of the existing SEND support, a diagnosis is needed.  

Many feel unable to take their child to mainstream services, because of the judgement they experience, lack of understanding and/or lack of specialist equipment. Often parents and carers are unsure how to support their child’s needs and can feel very isolated and hopeless. 

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.

Sasha became part of the Family Team two years ago as a Family Support Adviser on our Helpline. Her story with SNAP started way before this though…

“I haven’t known my life without SNAP. We have been part of the SNAP family for over 20 years. I first visited SNAP at 2 weeks old in Keys Hall, when my older brother John attended, age 4.

“Growing up with two autistic older brothers, SNAP has always been there. From a young age, I wanted to go into teaching and saw volunteering at SNAP as a way to see what it could be like to work with children.

“When I was 16, I started volunteering once a week at Yoga Club after school. I just loved it and how easy it was for all children and young people to access. It was such a lovely place to be. There was no pressure. If a child was emotionally dysregulated and didn’t want to join in, they didn’t have to but could if they wanted to.

“I then started to do half term sessions. My younger brother George was attending SNAP at this point after being  diagnosed with Autism. He was pre-verbal and only communicated via Makaton, 

but coming to SNAP enabled him to grow and develop his confidence, and he started talking.

“Being around neurodiversity my whole life, it was important for me to not just work with neurotypical children at a school. SNAP gave me a bit more of an insight into what it means to be neurodiverse and the support that’s available out there.”

“The staff at SNAP know that something that works for one child may not work for another. It’s important for families to know they are talking to someone who isn’t judgmental, it’s a safe space

and if they’ve tried things that haven’t worked it’s not the end of the world, we work in partnership to talk about other strategies and support for their child and family.

“If you ever want to reach out but you feel scared to, drop us an email and we’ll get back to you. We hope parents feel relieved and supported after talking with us.”

SNAP’s Mighty Mud Challenge

Saturday 20th June – 1.30pm to 4.30pm

Get ready for a fun, family-friendly afternoon filled with mud, obstacles and plenty of laughs, all while raising vital funds to support SNAP and the families we work with across Essex.

Escape the ordinary, get outdoors, and let your inner explorer free as you tackle muddy obstacles, climbing walls, slides and cargo nets, finishing with the most renowned obstacle: the notorious ‘Deathslide’.

With 90 minutes on the clock, can you complete SNAP’s Mighty Mud Challenge?

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!

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.

Walk In My Hands Day

Stand out for challenges that aren’t always seen.

We are inviting businesses, organisations and community groups to come together and take part in Walk In My Hands Day. 

Choose any day during SNAP Awareness Week and join us in raising awareness of the many challenges that aren’t always visible. Many people live with hidden disabilities, sensory differences, coordination difficulties and health conditions that can make everyday life feel very different. Walk In My Hands Day is about recognising those experiences, building understanding and showing support for families in our community.

Getting involved is simple:

• Wear socks on your hands
• Wear colourful, funky or mismatched socks
• Take a team photo
• Start conversations about inclusion
• Make a suggested donation of £10 or more

Try-A-Tri

Sunday 28th 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.

Free Try-a-Tri entry for kids (ages 6-14) with the code: EssexSBRFree

Adult (15+): £20