Shine a Light on Someone Special with the SNAPS Super Stars Awards

The virtual awards recognise individuals who consistently go above and beyond to make a positive impact on the lives of others. These everyday heroes are the ones who offer unwavering support, provide a helping hand during challenging times, or bring joy to those around them.

Nominations can be made for anyone, whether it's a friend, family member, carer, co-worker, or teacher. They can be nominated for any reason, no matter how big or small.

Every person nominated will receive an email to notify them that they are someone’s super star, along with a message from the person who nominated them. Nominations are free, with the option to ‘pay it forward’ by making a donation to support SNAPS’ vital work, if you wish to.

SNAPS supports children with additional needs and their families through physiotherapy, leisure services and a supportive environment. SNAPS receives no government funding to deliver its services, and all funds raised from through the Super Stars Awards will go towards the charity’s vital work.

This support is crucial for families like Phoenix’s, whose mum, Lora says: “Our family has been coming to SNAPS since 2017, when Phoenix was around 18 months. From the moment we walked through the door, we felt safe. We were around people with similar journeys to us, we weren’t judged, only supported by staff and other families - which was a weight off our shoulders.

“Since then, SNAPS has become an integral part of our lives. Phoenix has accessed so many therapies and opportunities that he wouldn’t otherwise have been able to have accessed. It has also allowed him to socialise with people who are "just like him" which is a hugely important part of growing up with a disability.

“Phoenix is such a super star, so we nominated him for an award last year - for being so resilient, overcoming lots of challenges and for never being afraid to give anything a try. We are so proud of him and will definitely be nominating him again this year!”

Lucy Owen, Chief Executive of SNAPS, says: “We launched the SNAPS Super Stars Awards in 2019 to shine a light on the courage, determination, and joy we see in the children who access our services every week. Too often, families are told what their child won’t be able to do. At SNAPS, we focus on what’s possible, and time and again, we see children achieve incredible milestones that others thought were out of reach, like walking unaided.

“These awards began as a way to celebrate those achievements, but we quickly realised that the spirit of SNAPS - hope, resilience, and everyday kindness - deserves to be recognised in everyone. That’s why we’ve opened up nominations to the wider public, to celebrate everybody’s everyday super stars!”

The Super Stars Awards are being sponsored by long-time supporters of SNAPS, Manning Stainton and Irwin Mitchell.

Mark Manning, Managing Director of Manning Stainton, says: “SNAPS stands as a pillar of strength, compassion, and unwavering support for children with special needs and their families. They provide invaluable services, from physiotherapy sessions and educational resources, to facilitating a close network of parents who understand the unique challenges each other face.

“We are thrilled to support their tireless commitment to helping children live their best lives. SNAPS is an amazing charity that’s completely self-funded, providing services that are genuinely transformative for families.”

To make your SNAPS Super Stars nomination, please visit: www.snapsyorkshire.org/superstarsawards

Nominations will close on Wednesday, 29th October