Come and do something for you!

SNAP’s Parent Choir started off the back of the success of the children and young people’s choir during the pandemic. Since then it has been a safe haven for many parents.

Led by our music therapist, Emily Grimes, sessions are held fortnightly and begin with a vocal warmup followed by the singing of various songs at the request of the group. Halfway through the session, parents have the opportunity to pause for a tea break, chat with each other and to speak to a SNAP Family Support Adviser for advice and information.

“The whole point of this group is for parents to have a safe space to join in and have fun! For many of the parents attending, due to the complexity of needs their child may have, it can be difficult to have opportunities to socialise or to have friends that understand exactly what they are going through. Here, they can find community and it also gives parents a rare opportunity to put themselves first,” shares Emily.

For SNAP mum, Nikki, Parent Choir has been really important.

“The choir is important to me because it is something I do for ME. It has a great feeling of togetherness and what we have achieved is amazing and uplifting. I’ve always quite liked singing but not had a lot of confidence. There’s no judgement of how good you are, it’s friendly and kind and Emily is fantastic. We have done a couple of performances too which gave us a fabulous sense of achievement and have been great bonding experiences for us all.”

Parent Choir sessions build towards SNAP’s annual Christmas Showcase, where they join SNAP’s Junior Choir and Drama Club, performing to a room full of family, friends, and SNAP staff. It is always a very special evening and marks a significant milestone in the confidence of our parents and carers. At last year’s showcase, the Parent Choir made the audience tear up with beautiful covers of Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper and Cover Me in Sunshine by Pink.

Jermayne has been part of Parent Choir since it began back in September 2021, “I love being part of it because it’s something for me to do on my own. I’m a person here not just someone’s mum. It makes me feel really happy when I sing and when I’m driving home after I’m on cloud nine. I’ve got a whole new group of friends who understand what my day might have been like. Emily, our talented singing teacher, is so welcoming and welcomes all of our ideas. Emily has given me the confidence to perform many times in front of our families and wider audiences which I get a real buzz from.”

If you are feeling hesitant about joining, these parents have some encouragement for you:

“Come and do something for YOU! Take your mind off everyday stuff. You will be amazed at what a great sound we make. Come along and help us make an even greater sound.” – Nikki

“We would all love to welcome more people to our group. We are a friendly bunch, you will enjoy yourself, it will build your confidence and if you’re anything like me, your voice is better than you think!” – Jermayne

All registered SNAP parents are welcome! Interested in joining the Parent Choir? Call SNAP’s helpline on 01277 211300 or email [email protected].

Part funded by Essex Association of Local Councils