Over the years, SNAP’s response to the demands being made by families in need has been to increase its provision.  This led to the charity completely outgrowing its base of two small offices at Keys Hall, which is owned by Brentwood Borough Council. It therefore became imperative that we move to larger and more suitable premises.  

Brentwood Borough Council has always been very supportive of SNAP and asked us if the former Duchess of Kent Building, which is situated opposite Warley Hospital, would be suitable for us.

The building was in a state of ill repair, but the Council offered us the opportunity of refurbishing the building in return for a 25-year peppercorn lease.  We thought the building had great potential and that this was a sound and viable proposition for SNAP.

In addition to our project, the development also included a new-build doctors’ surgery and the refurbishment of the Nightingale Centre, which would become a community facility.  There were many delays along the way, which were outside our control, but this gave us plenty of time to raise the necessary funds for our project. 

A crucial part of the funding of the new SNAP Centre was our grant of just over £100,000 awarded by the Big Lottery Fund.  Brentwood Borough Council also helped us enormously by providing architectural services free of charge and financing some of the building works.  Charitable trusts and support from individuals and organisations in the local community was also key to our success.  We are so grateful to all our supporters.

Our New Premises Project building works started in September 2006.  The refurbishment was carried out to our own detailed specification and included a multi-sensory room, children’s activity hall and a specialist IT suite.

On 17th May 2007, we were thrilled when HRH The Countess of Wessex officially opened The SNAP Centre.