Our success story
Founder: Neil Rowley
Snap and chat connect is a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing a safe supportive and welcoming space where people can connect, create, and enhance their wellbeing through the medium of photography.
Neil Rowley started the first group after overcoming his own hardships, struggling through his own poor mental health. Neil is a dedicated and patient leader who listens and encourages others with an empathetic ear.
Alongside his experience working as a carer and a background in all things creative Neil set out to give something back to the Derby communities that need it most. Often volunteering his time and skills to collaborate with local community groups with vulnerable or SEN needs.
The group began with as little as a couple of members meeting each week to go for a mental health walk, as word spread of Neil’s commitment and guidance-it didn’t take long until the group was attracting 25+ attendees every week! As a result Neil and his team of volunteers quickly began looking for a more structured base from which to operate. The newly refurbished Market Hall in Derby quickly became their home.
One year on…we are looking to expand again due to high turn out and demand for our services…so watch this space!
It takes a village to keep our community going…meet the team who look after us!
Rachael Ashley
Workshop Lead, photographerMarketing & Social Media
Rachael is an experienced photographer coming from her MA in Photography in 2025 to support our wednesday sessions, capturing content and behind the scenes and running our social side of things.
Since then Rachael has stepped into the role as workshop lead as well as managing marketing and social media.
Rachael is an experienced freelance photographer specialising in portraits, fine art and visual storytelling you can see her work by visting her website:
Gary is our workshop lead with 35 years experience in photography, having always had an interest in the industry.
Gary began with a city and guilds qualification back in the early 90’s and has a wealth of knowlege in most areas including both studio and natural light portrait photography, he is our resident expert with all things technical!
Gary currently works in portrait and event photography based in Derby
you can see his work here:
Workshop LeadPhotographer
Gary Murfin
Amalie Waldron
Amalie began her snap and chat journey as work experience for her college course-media, moving image and audio at Joseph Wright College.
Since then, she decided to continue on as a volunteer and taking part in the photography walks, modelling, shop, and using her creative vision and experience to help out alongside her studies.
Amalie is a creative powerhouse and a young friendly character, you’ll often find her supporting in marketing roles, creating connections and supporting every aspect of snap and chat connect.
Volunteer
Rui Yuan
Rui began at Snap and Chat by coming along to the photography walks as a group member, he quickly decided he wanted to take part and further help out at Snap and Chat as a volunteer.
After graduating from his photography course at Derby University, Rui happily continued his passion for photography in the group alongside his volunteer work, while finding his path to continue his career in photography.
Rui is a bubbly and approachable member who loves to communicate, welcome customers and help out in the shop and community.
Rui is also our dedicated BTS photographer and captures most of the images we use for sharing what we do!
You can check out Rui’s work here: ruiyuanphotography.mypixieset.com
Volunteer, photographer
Linda is experienced in delivering artistic and creative workshops from bespoke 3D paper crafting to rubber stamping and everything in between. Linda specialises in delivering workshops aimed at wellbeing and mindfulness, her workshops run via snap and chat on Saturday’s.
Having a keen eye for aesthetics and detail Linda also offers her skills in the Snap and Chat shop; designing displays and creating a welcoming atmosphere for shoppers.
Linda is very friendly and much loved by all our attendees, on a Wednesday Linda volunteers her time to create an array of tasty lunches and goodies, greeting our wellbeing-walkers with a bright smile and a hot drink!
Creative workshop facilitatorLinda Foot
Nicki is a contemporary artist who runs bespoke creative workshops on weekends through snap and chat connect. Known for both her inspired work with nature, landscapes and prints alongside her friendly and approachable manner in our community.
Nicki has exhibited many time throughout her career with her work resonating with a diverse and varied audience.
Nicky also assists on a Wednesday with the complementary lunches we offer, often circulating around the group swapping creative insights and great conversations!
You can view her work here: nickidennette.co.uk
Creative workshop facilitator Artist
Nicki Dennet
*Website photos provided by: Rui Yuan, Gary Muffin & Rachael Ashley
Interested in helping out?
We have worked alongside various communities and educational establishments to help people gain work experience or volunteering positions to aid confidence, social skills and build connections.
Please get in touch if you wish to access information about volunteering or work experience