“When I first joined SNAPS, Thomas was three years old. At that time we met in the staff room at Penny Field and had a coffee and chatted with other parents. I put Thomas’s name down for swimming lessons.  To begin with, Thomas would scream when he was in just a few inches of water. This made it difficult to get him to go in the water. I am grateful for the swimming instructor, Jean, who within a couple of weeks, got Thomas to happily go into the pool and play with some toys. We eventually moved on to lessons away from SNAPS and he now swims full lengths at our local pool. I thank SNAPS for this as I did wonder if he’d ever swim confidently. 

“Thomas has grown more confident with SNAPS and loves helping the staff members welcome new families to the site no matter which site we go to. When the role of Junior Ambassador was advertised, I encouraged Thomas to apply as I felt that this would be a great opportunity for him to not only welcome new families but also help shape the future. 

“More recently I have enjoyed having a massage, a great treat that has been added for parents. Thomas has joined TicToc, a new group for teenagers that has recently started at the Broomfield site. 

“We both love being able to just drop in when we feel up to coming and that we are made welcome at either site. Chatting to other parents is good whilst Thomas plays. The fact that Thomas loves helping the volunteers and staff at either site and making sure new families are ok makes me so proud.”