Here for your family every step of the way

SNAP’s Helpline is often the first contact point families have with the charity. Helpline Manager Pam shares some information about the support that Essex families can receive via the phone or email.

“Whether you are looking for specific information or you just need someone to talk to, our Family Support Advisers are ready at the end of the phone with a listening, non-judgemental ear. We enable parents to talk in a safe space and give each person as long they need to express their feelings and concerns about their child/young person. We want them to finish the call feeling as though a burden has been lifted after speaking to us.

“We partner with parents, helping them to identify strategies to improve their situation and give the best possible help to their children.

“On our Helpline, we explain the services offered at SNAP such as specialist parent talks, workshops and courses, in addition to activity sessions for children. SNAP is here to work in partnership with families until their young person reaches the age of 25.

“We have an Online Directory of useful contacts, Information Network and Information Sheets for specific topics, as well as a Specialist Library at The SNAP Centre. We can offer more in-depth Face-to Face appointments for parents to talk things through in person at our Centre, or extended phone calls if more convenient.

“The advisers follow up after a helpline call with an email, detailing direct links to the strategies and resources discussed during the call. This could be materials about their child’s diagnosis or condition, strategies to support their child, signposting to local organisations for specialist support and more.

“We want parents to know that they are not alone. We are here to help, support and advise.”

“I hope parents feel empowered and less isolated knowing they have the SNAP Helpline available to them. My aim is to provide a caring and professional response to each call or email.”

SNAP is a member of the Helplines Partnership – the membership body for organisations that provide information, support or advice via phone, email, text or online.