Retreats Connecting Families

The SNUG project provides residential retreats for families caring for a child with a rare health condition. The whole family attends the retreat together and a program of activities is designed so that EVERY attendee can participate. All accommodation, meals and activities are provided. If you care for a child with a rare condition, or you work with a family who might be interested in these special retreats, please submit an expression of interest.

SNUG is coordinated through the Family Action Centre at The University of Newcastle and is supported by the Steve Waugh Foundationwhose goal is to be ‘somewhere to turn’ for families of children with rare diseases.

Since 2009 the Steve Waugh Foundation has proudly supported the SNUG program helping countless families enjoy a break from the day-to-day challenges that often come with a rare diagnosis. The only stand-alone Foundation of its kind in Australia, the Steve Waugh Foundation is dedicated to being ‘somewhere to turn’ for children and young adults (0-25yrs) living with the rarest conditions. The Foundation is committed to helping build connections and support networks through supporting the SNUG program, funding life-changing and life-saving grants, and playing a lead role in the promotion of World Rare Disease Day.

The retreats:

• Aim to create a relaxed environment for families to build on their strengths, improve resilience, and develop friendships and support networks with others who are experiencing similar challenges.
• Focus on identifying and celebrating the skills and strengths of ALL family members – parents, children with special needs, and their siblings.
• Provide a wide range of activities over 4-5 days which are designed so that all can participate – including music therapy, art therapy, physical activity and outdoor recreation, craft, sensory play, and parent discussion.
• Are supported by a team of trained volunteers.
• Educate, train and support our volunteers (mainly undergraduate students of the University of Newcastle) in understanding the unique issues faced by families caring for children with rare medical conditions through our volunteer program.
• Are held approximately 6 times every year at Sport and Recreation Centre facilities in Lake Macquarie, NSW.
• Are the only retreats of this kind in Australia.

Future SNUG retreat schedule:

• 15 - 18 March 2024
• 24 - 27 May 2024
• 13 - 16 September 2024
• 11 - 14 October 2024
• 15 - 18 November 2024