“SNAP is absolutely crucial in today’s world”

SNAP’s Marketing Co-ordinator, Charlotte, caught up with one of our volunteers, Denise, before our SNAP+ Holiday session.

Denise has been volunteering at SNAP for nearly 10 years and has recently joined the Board of Trustees as well as continuing helping in our sessions. After 40 years of being in the education sector and retiring from Assistant Head Teacher at Redden Court in Harold Wood, Denise knew ahead of retirement that she wanted something to be a part of and with doing fundraisers and referring pupils to SNAP, SNAP came to mind.

“I knew I did not want to lose touch with children and parents. I enjoy that the most  about volunteering at SNAP: being able to chat to parents and understand what the families are going through. I love getting to know the families, and because I’m at the same session every week, I know those parents really well. Some mums will come and find me to fill me in on the latest updates from their week. Plus, if I see them in Brentwood, they always stop and chat so that’s nice.”

Denise volunteers at SNAPtastic sessions which is for primary school aged children with additional needs or disabilities plus their siblings, as well as holiday sessions depending on her availability. She can go from making teas and coffees for the parents one week to playing air hockey or table football another. She loves getting stuck in!

“Our families have to fight, fight, fight every step of the way.”

“Our families need people that they can be very open and comfortable with who have a real understanding of what they are facing individually and together as a family. It’s not an easy thing, it’s 24/7 for our families and they’re battling for things for their young person constantly. It doesn’t get given to them, our families have to fight, fight, fight every step of the way. It helps being a person who wants and loves to chat, who wants to find out about the children and their journeys.”

“I don’t have one favourite memory as such, but I go home each Thursday and tell my husband a tale from the session. If a child made and gave me a bracelet or drew me a picture that they wanted me to take home, that’s so special. They are the memories I hold on to.

“Seeing the children grow and change is special too. I’ve seen some of them grow from tiny up to the ages they are now. Quite a few parents that I see now were students, which makes me feel very old, but they come with their children with specific needs now so that’s lovely to see their journey as it continues. It’s reassuring for them to see a familiar face too.”

Denise has begun a new volunteering role at SNAP as a trustee. “When a call was put out for new trustees I had a look into it and thought “yes actually I would like to support from a different perspective and give staff support. I’d get an understanding about where the funds come in and how they treat their staff.” To me, it seemed natural to give more time but in a different way so I’m really looking forward to it and hoping I’ll be involved at SNAP for many years to come.”

BONUS QUESTION! We do love our biscuits at SNAP! What’s your favourite SNAP biscuit?

Borders Butterscotch (– with a cheer from Family Support Adviser, Alli, who was also in agreement as he headed into SNAP+!) They are very popular, as are the “dead fly” biscuits with the kids. They think it’s hilarious that I call the fruit shortcake biscuits “dead fly” biscuits. My mum always called them that, so I do too.

Interested in volunteering at SNAP? Email [email protected].