Snowdrop at 30:
Reflections From Our Journey
Thirty years of listening, learning and walking alongside our communities.
As part of Snowdrop Argyll’s 30th anniversary celebrations, we have created a series of reflections exploring the values, experiences and lessons that have shaped our organisation over the past three decades.
These blogs are not a history of Snowdrop.
They are reflections on trust, listening, community, connection and hope. The principles that continue to guide our work today.
We hope they offer an insight into our journey so far and the future we hope to build alongside our communities.
As Snowdrop Argyll officially begins a new chapter during our 30th anniversary year, these reflections look back on the values and experiences that have guided us from our beginnings as Mid Argyll Friends of ARMS, through the Multiple Sclerosis Centre Mid Argyll, to the community-led organisation we are today.
Over the course of this collection, we reflect on the importance of trusting communities, listening and learning, the power of peer support, the lessons our communities have taught us and our hopes for the future.
Together, these reflections tell the story not only of an organisation, but of the people, relationships and communities that have shaped its journey over the past 30 years.
We hope you enjoy reading them as much as we have enjoyed reflecting on them.
Looking Forward The Next 30 Years
Reflections as Snowdrop Celebrates 30 Years of Community Support
What Our Communities Have Taught Us
As we continue our 30th anniversary reflections, I have been thinking about one important truth: while Snowdrop has supported many people over the years, we have learned just as much from the communities we serve.
The Power of Peer Support
As we continue our reflections on 30 years of Snowdrop, I have been thinking about one of the most powerful forces I have witnessed throughout my time in the third sector: the power of peer support.
Trusting Communities to Thrive
Reflections as Snowdrop celebrates 30 years of community support
A Place Where Nobody Has to Earn Their Welcome
Reflections on Belonging, Acceptance and Being Human Together
The Difference Between Being Alone and Being Unknown
Reflections on Loneliness, Connection and the Human Need to Be Seen
What Does Community Feel Like?
Reflections on Belonging, Connection and What Really Brings People Together
Closing Reflection
This series was written as part of Snowdrop Argyll's 30th anniversary celebrations in 2026.
Karen McCurry is Centre Manager of Snowdrop Argyll and has worked in the third sector for more than twenty years. She is passionate about community-led support, inclusion, wellbeing and helping people discover their strengths, purpose and connection.
Together these reflections explore the themes of trust, listening, peer support, learning and hope that have shaped our organisation over the past three decades.
They tell the story of an organisation that began with a small group of local people recognising a need and choosing to act.
Over the years, services have evolved, communities have changed and new challenges have emerged. Yet the values at the heart of Snowdrop have remained remarkably consistent.
We continue to believe in the strengths that exist within individuals and communities. We continue to believe in the power of connection, compassion and belonging. Most importantly, we continue to believe that when people are listened to, valued and trusted, amazing things can happen.
As Snowdrop Argyll begins its next chapter, we do so with gratitude for everyone who has been part of our journey so far and hope for all that lies ahead.
Thank you for being part of our story.
These blogs reflect the personal reflections and experiences of the author and is intended to encourage discussion about issues affecting communities and community organisations.