Sibs4Fun week at SNAP
Some of the members of the Bakers team had the opportunity to volunteer at the last day of SIBS 4 FUN week-long event. This annual event is run specifically for the siblings of children with special needs by the charity SNAP in Brentwood.
SNAP – Special Needs and Parents, is a charity that was started in 1995 by eight parents who were concerned about the lack of provision for children with special needs in Brentwood. Now in its 25th year SNAP is a major Essex charity which has helped 5000 families. The charity provides care, information and support for the entire family of any child aged 0-25 in Essex with special needs.
Volunteers Isabel, Hollie and Tina joined in the fun with some of the children
Craig Page from our Sportstiks team presenting a donation of reusable drink bottles and drawstring bags to the SNAP team
SNAP, unlike many charities and organisations does not solely focus on the child with special needs and their parents but also recognises that the sibling acts as a carer too and they are not always guaranteed the same opportunities as children of the same age. Although they are included in regular activities, this week is special for the siblings as it is solely for them. Sibs4Fun was one of the first play schemes to be created by SNAP in 1999.
Many siblings of children with special needs may feel left out if they do not receive the same amount of attention and some have to grow up fast in order to be carers and feel unable to completely relax at times such as school where they feel the need to look out for their sibling.
Sibs4Fun is a great week for siblings to feel completely relaxed so they can have fun. It is also a great opportunity for them to make lasting bonds with other children in similar situations to themselves. Many of the young team who help, once attended this event when they were younger but now have returned to be helpers and team leaders which shows how much this scheme has positively affected the youngsters throughout the years.
This year was Mexican themed and they had lots fun activities such as karaoke, face painting, mocktail making and an inflatable horse race. Bakers provided some fun colour in sticker puzzle sheets, reusable water bottles, bags and Mexico themed temporary tattoos with images such as tacos, maracas, chillis and sugar skulls.
Rob Dennis (SNAP fundraiser) ‘Thank you so much to the Bakers team who came today! All the children loved the colouring in sheets and tattoos and have had an absolute fiesta this week. We really appreciate the support from local businesses such as Bakers who have helped make it another successful Sibs4Fun week.’
Isabel Ward (Bakers) ‘We had so much fun at SNAP meeting the children who were clearly having brilliant fun with all the activities provided for them. I was glad we could support such an important charity for so many families in Essex.’
Baker Labels has supported SNAP for a number of years including Christmas 2019 when we donated £3000 as part of our festive donations.
