SNAP parent survey highlights the difference our clubs make
Posted Saturday 17th October 2026
Families have shared their experiences of SNAP, highlighting the positive impact our clubs have on children, the vital support they provide to parents and the dedication of the staff who make it all possible.
At St Albans Mencap, we know how important our SNAP clubs are to the children and families who attend. Our Summer Parent Survey has given us a valuable opportunity to hear directly from families about what the service means to them, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
Helping children thrive
Parents told us how SNAP helps their children grow in confidence, develop independence, make friends and enjoy new experiences. For many children, the clubs provide a welcoming and familiar environment where they can feel safe, accepted and part of a community.
Families also highlighted improvements in social skills and communication, reduced anxiety and the benefits of having a regular routine during weekends and school holidays.
One of the strongest messages from the survey was the importance of children having somewhere they can enjoy themselves, build relationships and simply be themselves.
A lifeline for families
The benefits of SNAP extend well beyond the children attending. Parents described the clubs as an important source of respite, giving them time to recharge, manage everyday responsibilities, continue working or spend time with their other children.
One parent told us:
“The staff are amazing! SNAP is a lifeline for a family like ours. Having SNAP during weekends/holidays is life changing because it reduces anxiety all round and provides much needed respite.”
Knowing that their children are in a safe, understanding environment gives parents valuable peace of mind, while the opportunity to connect with other families can provide additional reassurance and support.
Our staff make the difference
The dedication of our staff was a recurring theme throughout the feedback. Parents praised their caring and understanding approach, their reliability and their ability to respond to each child's individual needs.
As one parent explained:
“I genuinely have no criticism, my experience with SNAP is a good one. Even when my son has really struggled with the transition to go in staff have come out to help him. Over time his confidence has increased, and I definitely think he sees Snap as a safe space.”
This feedback reflects the importance of building trust with children and families, recognising that every child is different and providing the support they need to feel comfortable and included.
Looking to the future
While families expressed high levels of satisfaction with the existing clubs, they also told us that they would welcome more opportunities to attend. Suggestions included additional sessions, more locations, after-school provision and greater availability during school holidays.
Parents also highlighted the need for continued support as young people grow older, so that they can maintain friendships, develop new skills and continue to enjoy meaningful activities as they move into adulthood.
We know that providing the right support at every stage of life matters, and this feedback will help inform our thinking about how SNAP and our wider services can continue to develop.
Thank you to our families
We are extremely grateful to everyone who took the time to share their experiences. Listening to families helps us understand what matters most, recognise what is working well and identify where we can do more.
Above all, the survey reinforces why SNAP matters: it helps children enjoy their childhood, build confidence and friendships, and feel that they belong. It also supports the families around them, providing reassurance, breathing space and the knowledge that their children are valued and understood.
