Disabled children's charity warns of service cuts

Carrie Wood, founder of SNAAP in Herne Bay, says "core staff are at risk of losing their jobs and services are at risk of closing" due lack of funding

A charity supporting disabled children in Kent says it may have to cut services next year unless funding increases.

The Special Needs Advisory & Activities Project (SNAAP), based at Windchimes in Herne Bay, helps parents and carers of children aged 0 to 25 with advice, activities and support.

Founder and manager Carrie Wood said the future was uncertain as "funding is impossible to get, particularly any large amount because there are so many charities applying for it".

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said it "recognised the need to protect the smallest businesses and charities", which it has done by doubling the Employment Allowance and through tax relief and exemptions.

Bethany Earl and her son Arthur are supported by SNAAP in Herne Bay

The children's centre has operated from its purpose-built building since 2003 after Ms Wood, who has a disabled child, saw a need for more community support.

However without a continued stream of money she feared "core staff are at risk of losing their jobs and key services are at risk of closing".

"I'm looking at next year's budget so January and February is when we're going to have to start making some decisions about where we are," adds Ms Wood.

Bethany Earl from Herne Bay attends the centre with her son Arthur, who has complex needs after being born at 24 weeks.

She said she appreciates being able to mix with people who look after children with similar conditions.

She is encouraging others to donate to SNAAP after her grandmother, Margaret Pilcher, left £10,000 in her will.

"My Nan passed away last year and unfortunately she never got to meet Arthur," she said.

"My mum donated in memory of her - she would've absolutely love to support this community."

Vanessa Oakes' two sons with autism have attended SNAAP sessions and she says they have gone on to achieve their 'maximum potential'

Parent Vanessa Oakes, from Herne Bay, said the charity had an "incredible impact" on the lives of her two autistic sons.

She said: "My youngest is now doing voluntary work and going into supported living.

"My eldest is profoundly autistic and non-verbal - he's in residential care and reaching his maximum potential thanks to SNAAP."

The centre is taking donations and holding a Christmas raffle to continue services in the new year.