Features / Bristol Charity Advent Calendar 2020
Bristol Charity Advent Calendar 2020, day 2: Gympanzees
The charity behind plans to open the UK’s first fully inclusive leisure centre has had to adapt fast to continue providing services for children with disabilities.
Gympanzees had to make the “devastating” decision to cancel its popular pop-up facilities this year because of the coronavirus outbreak but has continued to find ways to support the families for whom they are a vital lifeline.
From revamping its home online resource hub to hosting therapy webinars, the Bristol-based charity has continued its mission to help ensure that every disabled child and young person can enjoy a life filled with exercise, play and friendship.
is needed now More than ever
Gympanzees has also established a free lending library service to enable parents to borrow specialist equipment, ranging from a wheelchair-accessible dark den to soft play equipment and calm sensory toys, to use at home for two weeks.
Stephanie Wheen, CEO and founder of Gympanzees, says: “The work we do at Gympanzees is a lifeline to parents and families who cannot access regular leisure facilities so can’t play, exercise or socialise in the same ways as their peers.
“This leaves the whole family in isolation, with 72 per cent of parents suffering mental health issues as a result. We were devastated at having to cancel our pop ups due to Covid-19 but we are incredibly pleased with how our new services have been received.
“We will now offer our Lending Library as an ongoing service in addition to our pop ups. The benefits of these services for children with disabilities, their parents and their siblings are huge.”
Gympanzees provides a lifeline for many families – photo by Helen Sampson
Anyone wishing to support Gympanzees can become a friend of the charity and make a regular monthly donation through the website www.gympanzees.org/get-involved/friends-of-gympanzees.
There is also the option to raise money for the charity by taking part in the Gympanzees Three Peaks Challenge for 2021 or do online shopping via EasyFundraising at no additional cost.
Main photo by Helen Sampson
Read more: Plans to open UK’s first fully-inclusive leisure centre in Bristol
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