Law Firm Inaugural Member Of New Business Heroes Club

Irwin Mitchell has become the inaugural member of SNAPS Yorkshire’s new Business Heroes club, as the charity sees demand for services increase dramatically.

The law firm will ‘Pay for a Day’ of SNAPS’ services, funding all the charity’s activities for that entire week.

SNAPS (Special Needs & Parent Support Yorkshire) provide physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and play for children with additional needs on Saturdays in North and South Leeds, along with inclusive football sessions and support for parent carers through its Family Support Service.

The charity currently supports an average of 180 families a month, with some travelling from as far away as Hull and Howarth in Bradford to access its services.

Lucy Owen, chief executive at SNAPS, said: “The increase in demand for our services in the past year has been unprecedented. SNAPS is unique in that it provides therapy for children with additional needs, but also a holistic support service for all their family members too. There simply isn’t anything else out there like SNAPS, and so families are travelling an increasing amount to attend.”

By becoming a Business Hero and paying for a day, Irwin Mitchell will be funding 11 sessions of hydrotherapy, 22 sessions of rebound therapy (physiotherapy using a trampoline), 11 specialist swimming lessons and two stay and play sessions, where activities such as arts and crafts, music, dance and drama are delivered at in Penny Field SILC in Meanwood, and Broomfield SILC in Belle Isle. SNAPS also provides three accessible football clubs, and a Family Support Service, providing a safe space for parents and carers to come together, share information and advice and gain support through group.

The SNAPS Business Heroes club was launched with the aim of bringing together likeminded businesses in Leeds to support children with disabilities and additional needs in West Yorkshire. SNAPS is delighted to welcome Irwin Mitchell onboard as a founding member. As SNAPS continues to see a soar in demand, support from local businesses enables it to continue to deliver vital services.

Irwin Mitchell is a full-service Law Firm that provides legal advice to families, including education and healthcare plans (EHCPS) as well as enabling people with disabilities to access the specialist rehabilitation, support and therapies they require. Irwin Mitchell has supported SNAPS users over the years through regular Pro Bono Legal clinics, representing families in civil legal claims and supporting users to access EHCPs.

It has been a long-standing supporter of SNAPS for more than 10 years. It has previously supported SNAPS as its charity of the year on two occasions most recently in 2019 when more than £38,000 was raised. 

Ross McWilliams and Victoria Harris, medical negligence lawyers at the Leeds office of Irwin Mitchell are both members of the Board of Trustees for SNAPS and provide ongoing support in the development of the charity.

Expert Opinion

“At Irwin Mitchell, we pride ourselves in supporting not only our clients but the communities in which we operate.

“We’ve always been a proud supporter of the amazing work that SNAPS do for families in Leeds and the surrounding areas, and are extremely excited to be the first member of its Business Heroes Club.

“The demand for SNAPS’ services has grown exponentially in recent years and we can see that it makes a real difference to the families who use their services. SNAPS is a fantastic charity, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with them through the Business Heroes club.” Victoria Harris

Head of Fundraising at SNAPS, Lisa Morton said: “We are so grateful to Irwin Mitchell for its ongoing support. It’s brilliant to have such a well-respected business leader onboard as a founding member of our Business Heroes!” 

“We hope its actions will inspire other businesses to work with SNAPS to develop our services. SNAPS’ services receive no government funding and rely on donations from individuals, trusts and companies like Irwin Mitchel to continue supporting those who need us and our Business Heroes are helping us to do just that.”

SNAPS is an open-access, non-referral charity. If you are a family who would like to get in touch to find out more, please visit www.snapsyorkshire.org

If you are a local business interested in joining the SNAPS Business Heroes club, please email fundraising@snapsyorkshire.org to find out more.