11 March 2020

Why your Staff Festival charity vote is so important

With voting in full swing for the 2020 Staff Festival charity, last year’s beneficiary has revealed just how important this support is to the chosen good cause.

Football is one of a number of activates SNAPS provides to children with additional needs

The SNAPS inclusive football team. March 2020

Please note: This year's Staff Festival has been cancelled due to the coronavirus situation. Read the latest update and information about the chosen charity.

A total of £2,422.28 was donated to Special Needs and Parent Support (SNAPS) from the proceeds of the 2019 Festival.

This amazing amount, raised through the generosity of colleagues across campus, helped deliver vital physiotherapy for children with additional needs.

This included funding treatment to help them achieve milestones such as sitting unaided, crawling and walking – goals their families are often told are unattainable.

The money has also helped SNAPS continue to provide a host of other support services for more than 80 families in the region.

The charity offers supportive and inclusive spaces, with the aim of reducing isolation and improving mental wellbeing. Sessions held at Penny Field and Broomfield Specialist Inclusive Learning Centres also provide a place to get involved with activities like music therapy, boccia, sensory play and arts and crafts.

A SNAPS swimming session in full flow. March 2020Physiotherapy and physical activity plays a vital role at SNAPS

Rebound sessions help improve muscle tone and confidence through trampolining, and an inclusive football club has been established, following a suggestion from parents. This helps remove barriers to accessing such sporting activity, with a number of the children’s siblings joining in the fun.  

Jenny Sellers, SNAPS Community Fundraising Manager, said: “I had a brilliant time representing SNAPS at the 2019 Staff Festival.

“It was fantastic to be a part of a day that not only celebrated the achievements of the University’s hardworking staff but also raised an incredible £2422.28 for SNAPS.

“The funds raised from this event helped SNAPS to provide physiotherapy, swimming lessons, football sessions and vital support for children with additional needs and their families.

“We simply couldn’t do what we do without the support of events like this, and so we’d like to say thank you once again to everyone involved in organising the 2019 Festival.”

Voting for this year’s Staff Festival charity closes at 5pm on Thursday 26 March.

Colleagues are asked to select their favourite good cause from the following list:

Full reasons for the nominations are outlined on For Staff.

Only one vote per member of staff will be accepted via email by the closing date.

See the dedicated Staff Festival page for all the latest updates about the 2020 event, which takes place on Friday 26 June.

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