The Power of Coming Together: SNAP Charity
22nd April 2026
In 1994, a group of eight mums in Brentwood came together because there simply wasn’t the support they needed for their children. Each of them had a child with special educational needs, and what was available at the time didn’t reflect the reality of their lives. They were all facing similar challenges, but without the right support around them, they decided to do something about it.
They shared their experiences, supported each other, and created something that didn’t exist before.
That was the beginning of SNAP Charity.
What started with a small group of parents has grown into an organisation that has supported approximately 7,800 families across Essex, offering practical support, activities, and a space where people can connect with others who understand what they’re going through. That original idea still runs through everything they do: building something around real need, and making sure families feel supported and understood.
Over the years, ECF has awarded SNAP 30 grants, totalling over £415,000, helping them to continue developing their services and reach more families across Essex. That support has helped them grow a wide range of their work, from music therapy and afterschool activities where children and young people can try new things and build confidence, to counselling and tailored support for parents and carers. It has also helped sustain longer-term programmes focused on strengthening and empowering families, alongside opportunities for young people to get involved through volunteering.
SNAP works with families who are often navigating complex needs, where finding the right support at the right time can be challenging. SNAP helps to change that by creating welcoming spaces where children and young people can build confidence, develop social skills, and connect with others, while parents and carers can meet people in similar situations.
For many, that sense of connection is just as important as the services themselves. Being able to share experiences, access the right support, and feel part of a community can make a real difference over time.
As Karen Boath, CEO of SNAP, explains: “Our journey began with a clear gap in support for families, and we were determined to make a difference. The support of ECF has been pivotal; not only in enabling our growth, but in strengthening our ability to deliver high-quality, responsive services that truly meet families’ needs.”
What makes SNAP’s story so powerful is how it started, and what it has become. It’s a reminder that when people come together around a shared need, they can create something far bigger than themselves, something that continues to grow, adapt, and support others long into the future.
To find out more about SNAP and the work they do, visit their website.
If you’re part of a local organisation and would like to explore funding to support your work, you can apply for a grant or find out more by calling Essex Community Foundation on 01245 355947 or visiting our Apply for Support page.