At Snapdragon & Bop CIC, we’re building more than a shop — we’re creating a safe and welcoming space where people can find purpose, connection, and care.

I’ve spent most of my life caring for others, especially the elderly and vulnerable, and I’ve seen the deep loneliness so many face. That’s why we’ve opened Snapdragon & Bop: to bring people together through creativity, conversation, and community.

Right now, we need your support to finish our space — decorating, flooring, and essential equipment — so it can truly become the wellbeing hub our community deserves. Every donation helps us grow, support more people, and build a legacy that my granddaughter Bop, who has a kind heart and several disabilities, may one day carry forward.

On 30 August 2025, I’ll be taking on a sponsored night swim at Rutland Water to raise vital funds for this vision. Please support if you can.

Donate here: https://gofund.me/e8dc0b83

We are raising money for our wellbeing centre, to offer a safe and comfy space to our community!

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Our Story – Creating Purpose, Connection & Community

We’re Maxine, George and the team behind Snapdragon & Bop, a new community wellbeing centre and rescue/reuse shop — but this isn’t where our journey began.

With over 25 years’ experience in care, and now working for Triangular Care Services, we’ve seen first-hand how loneliness, isolation, and a loss of purpose affect people. Especially those who are elderly, retired, vulnerable, or navigating big life changes.

We deliver care to individuals across our community every day, and while physical needs are often met, we’ve witnessed how emotional needs and genuine connection are still missing from so many people’s lives. We knew something had to change.

But personally, my journey to this point hasn’t been easy.

I went through very troubled times and lost my way. After working on my own recovery (and continuing to do so every day), I returned to the care industry — where I now work for Triangular Care Services, led by the kindest man I know, George Spikesley.

George has believed in me from day one and backed me every step of the way in bringing Snapdragon & Bop to life. He shares our passion for people, and our belief that everyone deserves to feel valued, connected, and seen.

That’s why Snapdragon & Bop was born — a warm, welcoming space where people can come together through conversation, creativity, plants, reuse, and community support. A place where individuals can feel safe and rediscover their sense of purpose.

We’ve already had incredible support through donations, kind words, and helping hands — and we’re so grateful. But to grow our space and reach more people, we need help.

That’s why on 30 August 2025, I’ll be taking on a sponsored night swim at Rutland Water — to raise vital funds for the next chapter of our community journey

This isn’t just a challenge for fun — it’s symbolic. Many people live in the cold silence of loneliness every day. This swim is for them.

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What Your Support Will Help Us Do:

✨ Create a welcoming, calming environment where people can drop in and feel at home

Run creative workshops, wellbeing sessions, and inclusive activities

Support individuals dealing with loss, transition, or isolation

♻️ Expand the rescue/reuse side of the shop to fund community outreach

Offer purpose, conversation, and kindness — things that are too often missing

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Ongoing Support & Connection

We already run ongoing groups and sessions, welcoming people through our doors every week — offering conversation, creativity, and care.

We post regular updates on our Facebook page, sharing what’s happening, what we need, and how the community is growing. If you’d like to follow along, support us in other ways, or just see the impact your donation makes, you’ll find us there.

You’re not just donating — you’re becoming part of something real, local, and full of heart.

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And This Is Us ❤️

This is me (Maxine) and my granddaughter, Bop — the inspiration behind our name.

Bop lives with several disabilities, and like so many others, she will one day rely on the love and support of her people and her community. Our hope is that with care, encouragement, and connection, she will carry on what we’ve started at Snapdragon & Bop.

The name Snapdragon holds deep meaning for me. Years ago, I started a gardening business with that name — inspired by the snapdragon flower I loved as a little girl. I used to gently squeeze them to open their “dragon mouths.” But life took a difficult turn. I lost that business, and I lost my way.

Snapdragon & Bop is part of my recovery — and my way of giving back. Of turning pain into purpose, and of creating something lasting for Bop, and for everyone like her.

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Thank you for swimming beside us, standing with us, and believing in what we’re building.

Every share, every pound, every kind word makes a difference. You’re not just supporting a fundraiser — you’re helping build a future full of purpose and belonging.

With love and gratitude,

Maxine, Bop & the Snapdragon & Bop Team

**A small percentage of total donations raised will be helping our partners, Lainey's Rescue and Cransley Hospice.