The partnership helping bring Gympanzees to life

Celebrating Irwin Mitchell as a Founding Partner

As a Founding Partner, Irwin Mitchell have supported Gympanzees from the early stages, helping turn this vision into something real.

Their support includes funding our Therapy Room, a dedicated space that will provide physiotherapy, occupational therapy and more, helping disabled children and young people access the support they need in a way that works for them.

We spoke to the team at Irwin Mitchell about what inspired their support, and why spaces like Gympanzees matter.

What first inspired you to support Gympanzees and the vision for the centre?

‘We were inspired by Gympanzees’ clear and unwavering vision: to create a space where every disabled child and young person can play, exercise and feel a true sense of belonging. Becoming a Founding Partner was a natural fit for us. It reflects our long-standing commitment to working alongside individuals and communities to create lasting, positive change.

The centre represents hope, independence and possibility for so many families, values that sit at the very heart of who we are at Irwin Mitchell.

As the UK’s leading medical negligence and personal injury law firm, we see every day the impact that disability and serious injury can have on children, young people and their families, and the importance of having access to the right support to thrive. Gympanzees’ ambition to create a fully inclusive, purpose-built centre is not just inspiring, but reflects our belief in breaking down barriers and championing fairness.’

Why are projects like the Gympanzees centre so important for families?

‘A lot of families tell us that accessible spaces to move, play and socialise simply don’t exist, or that the facilities available don’t meet their child’s needs.

‘Projects like the Gympanzees centre will change that. It will offer opportunities for fun, physical activity and connection that many children miss out on, alongside a sense of community and a place where families don’t have to explain or adapt, where they can just be.’

How important is access to inclusive spaces for families navigating life after injury or diagnosis?

‘It’s absolutely essential. After injury or diagnosis, families are often managing a huge amount, emotionally, practically and financially.

Inclusive spaces help reduce isolation, support rehabilitation, and create moments of joy and normality that can make a real difference. A centre like Gympanzees gives families a place where they feel understood, and complements the wider support they may already be receiving.’

What are you most looking forward to when the centre opens?

‘Seeing families walk through the doors for the very first time.

Watching children explore spaces built entirely with them in mind, and finding joy in activities they may never have had access to before, will be incredibly special. We’re excited to see the community that forms around the centre and to continue supporting those families.’

How can Irwin Mitchell support Gympanzees families?

‘At Irwin Mitchell, we understand that when a child has a disability or has experienced a serious injury, it can feel overwhelming.

Our role is to offer clear, practical legal advice that helps families move forward with confidence. Whether that’s support following a birth injury or accident, guidance around education and care, or planning for the future, we’re here to help.

We also work closely with rehabilitation providers and other professionals to help families access the right support at the right time, because meaningful progress often comes from a combination of the right advice, therapies and environment.’

A shared goal

Partnerships like this are about more than funding. They’re about shared belief.

In creating spaces where disabled children and young people can play, move and thrive.
In supporting families not just in the big moments, but in the everyday ones too.

We’re incredibly grateful to Irwin Mitchell for standing alongside us and helping make Gympanzees possible.

If you’d like to find out more about the support Irwin Mitchell can offer, you can speak to Julie and the team at one of our events or visit Legal Advice – Gympanzees

Julie Lewis, Partner

T: +44(0) 117 926 1510

Julie.lewis@irwinmitchell.com