Running for my best friend
Louis and Antony have been best mates since they met at 4 years old in primary school.
Read more
SNAP is an Essex charity whose aim is to inform, encourage and support families with children and young people who have any additional need or disability, allowing parents and carers to grow in strength and knowledge so they are better equipped to give the best possible help to their children.
From its Brentwood base, SNAP offers a helping hand to thousands of families who need support. No formal diagnosis or professional referral is necessary to access SNAP services, available to families of children and young people aged 0 to 25.
The charity’s vision is to provide a safe environment offering a wide range of support and specialist services with the aim to increase resilience and empowerment within our families. SNAP’s ethos is about strengthening all members of the family.
“When parents first come to The SNAP Centre they often feel isolated and don’t know where to turn, but with SNAP’s support they grow in strength and knowledge and become better equipped to give the best possible help to their children,” says Karen Boath, SNAP CEO.
Registered Charity No.1077787
Natalie’s Story
SNAP Mum Natalie shares her SNAP journey and what the charity means to her and her family
“It gives me complete inclusion, being around other people who completely understand what it feels like [to have a child with SEN].
Rudy can just be. He is able to completely express himself without judgement.”
Key Statistics
Here are a few key statistics highlighting the work that SNAP does with families
All figures are correct as of December 2025.
0
Families have been supported by SNAP since we began (approx)
0
Families are currently receiving our support
2025 Statistics
Number of families with children and young people with have any additional need and disability supported in 2025
Year on year there is an increasing demand from families for SNAP’s services.
Inform
0
Participants in training courses and talks
0
Face-to-face parent advice appointment and surgeries
0
Helpline telephone calls and emails
Encourage
0
New Families Registered
0
Children and young people attended clubs and activities
0
Children and young people attended holiday services and individual sessions
0
Total hours of children's services attended
Support
0
Counselling sessions for parents and families
0
Siblings young carers supported
0
Current families
0
Children and young people with additional needs
Family Case Study
“The SNAP team really are local heroes, and I can’t thank them enough for their support and warmth towards my family.”
Rebecca shared how SNAP has made a difference to her family, in particular her son, Thomas.
The value of being a SNAP Volunteer
Volunteering for SNAP is a really rewarding experience bringing many benefits to both the charity and to the individual themselves. With around 60 volunteers, of all ages, SNAP offers a stepping stone to future employment or other pursuits.
“SNAP have been so supportive and helpful, offering signposting, guidance, advice and validation, all of things which have been missing from the journey of my child’s ADHD and ASD diagnosis.
There needs to be a lot more support and there are very low resources and help elsewhere, especially after diagnosis.
SNAP have been so helpful, and they are a much needed charity for children and young people with additional needs or with a diagnosis of ADHD or ASD.”
Recent News
Diamonds in the community
Russell Lord and his family have been incredible supporters over the past eight years. With numerous fundraising ventures and a sum of over £20,000 raised,…
Understanding Home Education
SNAP’s Information Manager, Kate, shares about the national rise in Elective Home Education (EHE) and the support SNAP brings to families seeking guidance on shifting…
Sisters out of SIBS
Becoming friends during SIBS4Fun Week 15 years ago, Caitlin and Belle share a milestone together
Get muddy at SNAP’s Mighty Mud Challenge
Get involved with SNAP’s next fundraising event this June
Support poured out at charity wine event
Wine enthusiasts and members of the SNAP community came together for an evening of exceptional tasting and lively entertainment.
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 »
