Special Needs Unlimited Group (SNUG)
The SNUG project is run by the Family Action Centre and involves inviting geographically isolated families who have a child with a severe disability to attend a five day residential camp in the Hunter area of NSW. The families can access the Newcastle based specialist dental, neurological and other vital specialised medical care that is not available in rural communities.
Aims of SNUG:
- Improved access to dental medical and allied health services for 20 children with disabilities who live in a rural communities (annually)
- Create support networks for 20 families with a child with a disability living in a rural community (annually)
- Improve the resilience of 20 families with a child with a disability living in a rural community (annually)
- Educate 20 undergraduate students (volunteer advocates) in understanding the unique issues faced by families with children with special needs (annually).
Volunteering for SNUG:
The volunteer students will be nearing completion of their undergraduate studies in fields that relate to children with disabilities such as speech pathology. They will live with a family with a child with a disability at Myuna Bay Recreational Facility during the six day residential programs. The live-in volunteer program will allow the undergraduate to gain unique insight into the lives of the children and their families. The volunteers will be educated by the Family Action Centre and professionally supervised throughout the program.
For direct enquiries, contact Kerryl Bourne, Team Leader at the Family Action Centre.
The Family Action Centre is located at the University of Newcastle, NSW. It is a multidisciplinary Centre with the vision of a truly civil society and a belief that family wellbeing is the cornerstone of healthy communities.
Some snaps taken from our various SNUG camps.