History of SNAC
The Special Needs Activity Club (SNAC) is a registered charity that was formed in 1993 by two parents living in the Port Talbot area, who were unable to find suitable leisure facilities for special needs children in the locality. SNAC initially ran play sessions at Taibach Community Education Centre on Saturday afternoons, but the charities trustees realised in order to grow, the group needed to acquire its own premises. After receiving finance and assistance from the Community Fund, CORUS, and Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, SNAC achieved this goal in 2000 and opened its own purpose-built centre in Margam, Port Talbot.
SNAC is still a parent-led organisation, providing play and leisure facilities to children and young adults with special needs from all over the South Wales area on four days of the week. There are two open sessions on Thursday evening and Saturday afternoon and two sessions of the over 11’s youth club on Tuesday and Friday evenings (please see opening times for further information).
Activities include team games, arts and crafts, and cookery sessions. We have our own Jungle Jims indoor play area and our outside play area includes a water feature, climbing frame, slide and swings. There is also an enclosed pedal go-kart track where the youngsters can ride around and burn off their excess energy.
The centre has a multi-sensory room for the therapeutic benefit of children who have sensory disorders such as autism to relax in comfort. We also have a chill-out room where the youngsters can play interactive video games or just simply watch their favourite DVD’s. Activities are led by qualified and trained Playworkers. The team of staff are all CRB checked and qualified in first aid and are here to make your visit comfortable, pleasant and fun. Siblings are encouraged to also visit the centre and build relationships and make friends with other siblings who attend.
SNAC also acts as a support network for parents and families of special needs children from all areas of South Wales, by acting as a meeting place where they can exchange information on an informal basis in a relaxed and safe environment for them and their children.
In the past years we have launched a number of new initiatives at improving health and fitness for the members of SNAC. Healthy eating is promoted at SNAC and giving the children options and education of healthy eating. We have a coffee bar that serves warm food, snacks and drinks.
Twice a week we run an under 5’s integrated playgroup. We are open on Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 9.30 am and 12.30pm.
The hall can also be hired out to parents and members of the community for children’s birthday parties on Sundays. We open for two sessions the first at 10am – 1pm and then at 2pm – 5pm. Please ring the SNAC office on 01639 899666 to check availability.
Throughout the year SNAC organises trips to theme parks and cultural events. In October 2008 SNAC ran a trip of a life time to Florida to swim with the dolphins. This trip enabled children with special needs to visit SeaWorld and visit Disneyland.
We also have a very popular Facebook page and our website www.snacwales.org.uk helps all our families and friends keep up to date with everything that happens in SNAC.
May the help and support of all the parents/carers, families and local companies continue so the dreams of the young people can come true.
SNAC Sessions & Opening Times – Term Time
SNAC Sessions will take place as follows:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Cuties Corner integrated Mother & Toddler
Group under 5’s 9:30am – 12:30pm
£3 per child 1 year old and over, 0-12months free
Over 11 Youth Club (Respite service)
Duke of Edinburgh £7.50 per session 5pm – 8pm (Food not included, but is available to buy) Booking essential.
Wednesday Closed
Thursday: Cuties Corner integrated Mother & Toddler
Group under 5’s 9:30am – 12:30pm
£3 per child 1 year old and over, 0-12months free
Open Session 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Friday: Cuties Corner integrated Mother & Toddler
Group under 5’s 12:00pm – 3:00pm
£3 per child 1 year old and over, 0-12months free
Over 11 Youth Club (Respite service)
£10 per session 5pm – 8pm
(Food included) Booking essential.
Saturday: Open Session 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Entry to each SNAC session is £4.00 per member (£8 non members).
SNAC is available to book for birthday parties on Sundays for 2 sessions 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm and Mondays for 1 session 3.30pm – 6.30pm
SNAC: Make friends – have fun!
