Bristol Charity Lands Major Lottery Grant for Pioneering Disabled Children's Leisure Centre
In a significant boost for accessibility and inclusion, a Bristol-based charity has secured nearly £1 million from the National Lottery to develop Britain's first leisure centre exclusively for disabled children. Gympanzees, the organisation behind the project, is now on track to open the state-of-the-art facility later in 2026, marking a milestone in providing specialised recreational spaces for young people with disabilities.
Transforming Old Aust Services into a Hub of Inclusive Fun
The substantial grant from the National Lottery's community fund will be directly channelled into converting the Old Aust Services site, located near the M48 Severn Bridge, into a vast, fully accessible exercise and play complex. This funding injection elevates the total amount raised by Gympanzees to an impressive £7.6 million, bringing the charity closer to its goal of creating a safe and engaging environment for children with mobility challenges and other disabilities.
The new centre will feature ten "fully inclusive" rooms designed to cater to a wide range of needs. Highlights of the facility include a horizontal climbing wall, a self-transfer trampoline, and a two-storey soft playhouse that children can enjoy independently or with their parents. To ensure universal access, hoists will be installed throughout the building, allowing children and parents with mobility issues to reach higher levels with ease. Additionally, the outdoor area will be equipped with 30 pieces of specialised play equipment, further enhancing the recreational experience.
Life-Changing Impact for Families and the Community
Stephanie Wheen, chief executive and founder of Gympanzees, expressed her elation at the grant, describing it as "truly life-changing." She emphasised that this funding brings the charity a giant step closer to realising a dream that has been years in the making. "At previous sensory play and exercise sessions that we've held, we've witnessed a three-year-old laugh for the very first time and a teenager pull herself up to stand independently," Wheen shared. "With this centre, we can create hundreds more moments like these. But we cannot complete this journey without maintaining our fundraising momentum. This last stretch is the difference between a dream and the doors opening."
The initiative stems from Wheen's vision, which she conceived in 2016. Since then, Gympanzees has hosted popular pop-up events across Bristol, attracting over 28,000 visitors to its fun and fitness sessions. These temporary setups have demonstrated the profound need for permanent, accessible leisure options for disabled children and their families.
Testimonials Highlight the Centre's Vital Role
Emma Wilson, a Bristol resident, has firsthand experience of the charity's impact through its exercise and sensory play sessions with her daughter Isabella, a full-time wheelchair user with complex needs. "As a parent of a disabled child, I can't put into words how much this support from The National Lottery means," Wilson said. "Because of this funding, my daughter, Isabella, will have a place where she can laugh, learn and play without barriers – somewhere she feels truly included. For families like ours, it's more than just a centre; it's a lifeline. What once felt like a distant hope is becoming a reality, and the difference it will make to our lives is beyond measure."
Continued Fundraising Efforts and Past Support
This is not the first time the National Lottery has backed Gympanzees. Last year, the charity received £500,000 for its Lending Library, which enables families, schools, and organisations to borrow specialist sensory, play, and exercise equipment. In 2025 alone, the library loaned out 961 pieces of equipment, underscoring the high demand for such resources.
Beyond lottery funding, Gympanzees has garnered support from various donors, including £264,000 from the Seneca Trust, £150,000 from The Clothworkers' Foundation, and £250,000 from Lifelights. Despite these contributions, the charity remains committed to fundraising throughout 2026 to ensure the centre's successful launch. A £1 million "fundraising sprint" is underway, and the organisation is actively seeking donations of construction materials to further reduce costs and accelerate progress.
As Gympanzees moves forward with this groundbreaking project, it continues to champion inclusivity and accessibility, offering hope and tangible benefits to countless families in the Bristol area and beyond.
