Gympanzees has hit the halfway mark in its fundraising to build the UK’s first fully accessible exercise, play and social centre for disabled children and young people. The charity has raised £4 million of its £8 million target for the new Gympanzees centre at the former Aust services next to the Severn Bridge near Bristol.
With work on the building due to commence in January, this is a significant step in making sure Gympanzees can open in June 2026. The Gympanzees Centre will be unique as it will support all disabled children and young people who may be excluded from existing leisure activities.
From those with the most severe physical disabilities, to those who are autistic or ADHD who can be incredibly active and seek movement, the new centre will give them somewhere to have fun and get active. Children with disabilities are half as likely to be active as their non-disabled peers, so the space that Gympanzees provides these children with to exercise and have sensory experiences is crucial to improving health outcomes later in life.
Previously, the charity was reliant on pop-up events, taking place in temporary homes around Bristol. The sessions have been incredibly popular with over 28,000 visitors enjoying the unique, life-changing benefits of accessible fun and fitness, alongside lending specialist equipment to over 2,800 families and schools.
Stephanie Wheen, Gympanzees CEO and founder, said: “This monumental milestone could not have been achieved without the support of our incredible funders, corporate supporters, and the public. It has been a huge effort since launching our appeal in September 2023, and in just over a year, we are halfway there!
“We have had fantastic feedback from our services to date, but families crucially deserve more than temporary pop-ups and remote support. They need a place they can trust and rely upon all year round that is welcoming, safe, fun and supports all their health and well-being needs.”
There are currently 1.5 million disabled children in the UK, and 90,000 within an hour of Bristol. Once open, Gympanzees expect over 200,000 visits from disabled children, young people and their families every year.