Bexley Snap supports young people with additional needs

Bexley Snap support children and young people with additional needs in South-East London by offering an exciting and varied programme of activities aimed at developing their personal and social skills.

Open to children and young people up to 25, not only do they provide a safe environment for young people to explore their own interests, they also create an important support network for parents who say they don’t feel judged and can let their children be themselves during the sessions. In September 2023 they introduced DofE programmes with support from Access Without Limits community funding, their first cohort of young people embraced the opportunity and felt proud of being the first ones to do DofE through the organisation.

Running four different weekly Youth Clubs, Bexley Snap are able to centre their activities around the needs and interests of the young people they work with, while providing the same new and enriching experiences offered in mainstream settings. Access Without Limits community funding has supported Bexley Snap to purchase equipment for their sections, allowing young people to try new things for their DofE.

As Bexley Snap’s first cohort, DofE Manager Amy, says the Bronze group have all been “really enthusiastic” while parents are impressed by their young people’s achievements. Clare, parent to George describes how “Young adults with SEN need opportunities to spread their wings and experience new things”, and DofE provides this opportunity.

Knowing that the Expedition section would present more challenges with young people who struggle with anxiety as well as other needs, Amy says they did practices that included becoming familiar with the campsite, routes and equipment so the young people knew what to expect. When it came to it, although there were a couple of wobbles, Amy says the group were all really supportive and reassuring of each other.

Becoming a DofE Manager for the first time has been challenging at times, but Amy says “seeing their enjoyment and achievements is really rewarding”, and she’s looking forward to seeing the group progress through their Silver Awards next.

Bexley Snap are a community organisation based in Bexley, South-East London. They offer a programme of clubs for children and young people aged 1 – 25 years with additional needs, to give them the opportunity for development and learning through structured free play and socialising in a “nurturing, understanding and fun environment”. They also provide parents and carers with support, guidance and regular breaks from their caring responsibilities. Bexley Snap have been running the DofE since September 2023 and were set up with support from DofE’s Access Without Limits funding, made possible by The Julia Rausing Trust.