We couldn’t have done it without you

NICOLA FINDLAY

An East Kilbride-based summer playscheme for children with additional needs which was saved from the axe proved a success.

And the manager of Special Needs Adventure Playground (SNAP), Sheila Halford, has thanked the football teams who came to their rescue with the offer of a base – and the News for highlighting their plight.

SNAP, which has been running for nearly 30 year, used Blacklaw and Mount Cameron Primaries for most of that time.

But due to the COVID-19 pandemic all South Lanarkshire Council lets have been suspended and organisers feared the lifeline playgroup would have to be scrapped for the first time in its history.

But East Kilbride United stepped in after our appeal and offered them Kirktonholme Pavilion, which wasn’t being used as their activities had yet to resume.

The premises was part of an asset transfer from South Lanarkshire Council just over a year ago.

SNAP manager Sheila told the News: “We had a wonderful time at this year’s SNAP despite everything.

“But this was only possible due to EK United’s generosity in offering us their base so quickly after the appeal and many others – we couldn’t have done it without them.

“And also thanks to the News for raising awareness of this for us.”

Sheila previously spoke of the importance of the group for the children and their families – especially as many would have had little or no support during lockdown.

In fact, so important to the area is

SNAP, the Care Inspectorate deemed it an “essential service” as a child care and respite facility.

Sheila added: “We would have been absolutely heartbroken if we had to cancel.

“Some of out families will have been so isolated during what has been times like no other – they might have had absolutely no support and SNAP was a real lifeline for them.”

SNAP did, however, reduce capacity and follow all guidelines to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Secretary of EK United, Graeme Robertson, said: “It is such a worthwhile local charity and considering what it does it would have been a real shame if it couldn’t go ahead.

“We weren’t using the facility so we were just delighted it could be put to good use in the meantime.”