Milton Keynes charity MK SNAP is celebrating 30 years of transforming lives of people with learning disabilities.
MK SNAP provides a programme of education, life skills, work preparation and opportunities for work to adults aged 18+ with learning disabilities.
This anniversary year, marks a double-bill year for the award-winning MK SNAP, as it is also MK Mayor’s Charity of the Year.
There is set to be a whole host of celebrations and special events taking place, kicking off with the call to action to ‘Go Blue for Blu’. Residents are being asked to wear blue and post support for MK SNAP on social media using the hashtag #goblueforblu.
On National Disability Day on Thursday 14th July, a special awareness raising event will be taking place at The Rose in Campbell Park from 10am.
On Friday 15th and Saturday 16th, original canvas art work and photography by MK SNAP learners will be showcases for the first time at MK Gallery from 10am to 4pm.
On Saturday, the Bucks Star Beer Mini Festival will be taking place in Stonebridge, in aid of MK SNAP from 12 noon.
Friends and family are being invited along to celebrate, listen to great musicians, taste some street food and see what local artisans have made.
On 20th July, a special inclusive cricket match inviting all disability groups across the city will be taking place on the playing field by the MK SNAP centre in Walnut Tree.
Then, a special rugby match will being held at MK Rugby Club on August 20th, which sees MK RFC Veterans vs Olney RFC Veterans raising funds for the Mayors Charities.
On 8th October, the charity then celebrates three decades with the Mayors Anniversary Ball at Woburn Golf club.
In 1992, MK SNAP became a registered charity and after more than ten years at Kiln Farm, demand for places meant a larger home needed to be found.
In 2003 a 2.5-million-pound appeal for a new purpose-built premise was launched. It attracted huge support from the business community and individuals across Milton Keynes and opened in 2008, it has since supported hundreds of young people with learning disabilities build their skills and confidence to realise their full potential and live more independently in our community.
MK SNAP’s CEO, Angela Novell said: “The charity exists because of the vision and dedication of a small group of volunteers who wanted more for their loved ones; wanted a better life for people with learning disabilities.”
“We are proud of our rich heritage and we are sincerely grateful to the good people and businesses in our community that continue to help and support our vital work,” Angela added.
MK SNAP’s 30-year history will be brought to life in an exhibition of past and present memories at the central library in September with partnership with MK Heritage Open Days.
