Making Monday’s magic

SNAP Matters caught up with Services Co-ordinator, Rachel, who explains our Monday sessions and how they impact our families.

SNAP on a Monday
10.30am to 12.30pm in term time
This relaxed pre-school session allows the opportunity for parents to chat with each other or get support from SNAP parent advisers whilst their children play. Children have access to a wide variety of toys as well as the Centre’s specialist facilities and multi-sensory equipment. Preschool aged siblings are also welcome to attend.

Mini Mondays
4.00pm to 5.00pm in term time – set dates per term
This relaxed after-school session is for families with children aged between 4 to 6 with additional needs and their siblings. Due to feedback from parents who had
regularly attended pre-school sessions and their children now attending school, these families missed coming to SNAP with weekly support and opportunity to
meet others so we hope this bridges the gap.

Marvellous Mondays
4.30pm to 5.30pm in term time – set dates per term
This session was introduced in the Autumn term, aimed at those in Years 6 or above, who identify as female or non-binary. This offers a safe space for teenagers to nurture friendships and offers activities such as arts and crafts, music, gaming, nail art and much more! Counsellor, Tina, is also on hand for support for parents and our young people.

SNAP Social Club
4.30pm to 5.30pm in term time – set dates per term
This session is for those in Year 7 and above and offers activities such as table tennis, DJ decks, games, bingo and karaoke. We also have a Tuck Shop, which the young people help us to run and aids practise in using money.

How do these sessions support children and young people?
SNAP offers a safe environment where they can be themselves and feel like they are part of something. Activities can help improve communication and social skills
as well as increase self-esteem and confidence. They can also improve emotional wellbeing from interaction with peers and increased independence. Siblings are welcome to use the facilities upstairs while sessions are running too.

What are the benefits for parents?
At each of these sessions, parents have the opportunity to meet other families in a similar situation which helps them to realise they are not the only ones who may be finding things hard. Meanwhile, our library is open for parents to peruse, and Family Support Advisers are on hand to recommend strategies, resources, information and emotional support.

For more information about session dates or to register your interest, please email [email protected].

Thank you to the Brentwood and Basildon NHS Health Inequalities Fund, and to the Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund delivered by the National Lottery Community Fund for helping to make these sessions possible.