SNUG: Special Needs Unlimited Group

Children with disabilities, their parents and siblings, face many challenges. For those in rural communities—far away from the resources and infrastructure of cities—these challenges can be overwhelming. Visits to distant cities to access specialist services must be planned with military precision; appointments coordinated; accommodation booked; and the needs of all family members considered. Opportunities to network with families in their situation and to holiday in a place that can offer respite care are rare.

SNUG is an outreach program that offers hope for rural families facing these challenges. We host week-long residential programs and coordinate all of the appointments. The family is accommodated at Lake Macquarie’s Myuna Bay Recreational facility, giving them the opportunity to relax and foster friendships with other families in similar situations—all of which enhances resilience and family wellbeing.

Modelled on the Swedish Agrenska program, SNUG is coordinated through the Family Action Centre of the University of Newcastle. The program will be evaluated and reported on. Ethics approval through the Hunter New England Human Research Ethics committee has been established (No. 6/12/13/4.03). For details of the evaluation, go to FAQs.

Volunteer Position Available

The SNUG Program is currently looking for volunteers.  To be a part of a program that works towards fostering the emotions and social wellbeing of families that has a child with special needs.  To assist in the development of creating sustainable connection swithin the community that provides the family with an opportunity to enhance the structures that surrond and support all members of their workshop.

Download a copy of the volunteer information and expression of interest form (514 KB pdf) here.

SNUG Referrals

Do you know a rurual family caring for a special needs child who could benefit from a family holiday, help attending medical appointments and meeting other families in a simular situation?  YES? Please consider referring them to the SNUG Progarm. 

Download a copy of the SNUG referral and information form (892 KB pdf) here.

For further details please contact SNUG Program Coordiantor, phone 02 4921 6832
Email : Snug@newcastle.edu.au
SNUG Program, The Family Action Centre, University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308