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Gympanzees Project Home

Why it's Needed

There are 90,000 children and young people with disabilities living within an hour of Bristol.

77% of them cannot access regular leisure facilities, so can’t play, exercise or socialise in the same ways as their peers.

Project Home
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A young child smiling for the camera playing with metal sensory ball.

Our plan has always been to build for better and create a home for Gympanzees

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 of their health and well-being needs.
See the Impact

Every child can exercise

Disabled children want more understanding and acceptance, more choice of activities, more motivation and encouragement. 

One third of disabled children take part in less than 30 minutes of sport and physical activity per day. 

Improving children’s mental health

Exercise improves the psychological well-being of people with learning difficulties such as reduced anxiety,  increased self-esteem and improved mood.  There is an association between higher reported levels of physical activity and increased quality of life. 

“If Gympanzees opened all year round, we would be there almost every day. My son struggles in school, an outlet like this would be life-changing. We could meet up with other families and friends who have children with a range of different disabilities and know there was something for everyone.”
ShellbeyParent of a six-year-old from Melksham, Wiltshire
A young child playing on the interactive floor mat
“It would be incredible to have a permanent facility where different needs are met. We can’t go to the cinema or the park because it can be overwhelming. Having somewhere we can go and bring siblings along would be make such a difference to us.”
OmayaParent of five-year-old from Bristol
Omaya
“I would love a space that was inclusive and accessible for my children. I’d even sign them up to a monthly membership if it was on offer.”
EllaParent of a eight-year-old and five-year-old from Weston-Super-Mare
A young child sliding down the ramp in a wooden cart at Gympanzees pop up
“It would be a lifeline. Somewhere he could go and be himself. I’ve seen him become more relaxed every time we visit. We’d love somewhere like this permanently, somewhere accessible, cost-effective for families and a safe space.”
GillParent of a five-year-old from Bristol
A young child playing in the softplay room. Child is wearing ear defenders
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A young child looking through the colourful fibreoptic lights and smiling at Gympanzees sensory room

Putting an end to isolation

• 90% of parents feel isolated some or a lot of the time.

• 76% of parents experience mental ill health some or a lot of the time

• 9 out of 10 parents reported some level of anxiety.

• Disabled children are twice as likely to be lonely compared to their         non-disabled peers (72% vs 36%). They are more likely to feel they           have no one to talk to, feel left out, and to feel alone. 

What our families say

Gympanzees Project Home
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