Soroptimist
International of Cannock & District have SNAP as one of their President’s
charities this year and have found many ways of supporting them since April
2010, the beginning of the Soroptimist year.
In
December members joined with bag-packing at Sainsbury’s to raise funds for SNAP
and had great fun doing so. Over the
weekend before Christmas almost £1000 was collected at the tills by the
bag-packers – an incredible amount – more had been collected in the few weeks
before, though the final total won’t be announced by Sainsbury’s until a little
later this year. Soroptimists were
thrilled at the good humour shown by shoppers, their interest in SNAP and their
incredible generosity and wish to place on record their appreciation to
everyone who made a donation.
SNAP
- Special needs Adventure Playground - is a purpose built facility on Pye Green Road
specifically designed for children with special needs. There is a fully enclosed
outside play area with a wheelchair roundabout, wheelchair swing, lie down
swing, sensory garden, stable trikes and cycle pathway, plus the usual play
equipment. Indoors there is a soft play area with ball pool, sensory room,
hoist and good changing facilities with a full adult sized changing bed.
SNAP
was developed because children and young people with disabilities and special
needs often ‘miss out’ on the type of play that other non disabled children can
take for granted. SNAP offers challenging and exciting play opportunities to
further self esteem and confidence among this group of children.
Just
partaking in play facilities at all may be difficult for the special needs
child and their parents. SNAP provides a secure environment, where behaviour that
may be remarked upon as different and cause intolerance elsewhere are
unremarkable and accommodated which makes for a more comfortable experience for
both parent and child. It is the provision of a non judgemental environment
that is really valued by their users, along with the fact that non-disabled brothers
and sisters can play there too, meaning the whole family can enjoy a day out
together.
More
information about SNAP can be found on their web-site: