Gympanzees
Gympanzees' ambition is to ​create fully inclusive spaces that improve health outcomes for disabled children and young people by offering regular exercise and therapeutic play while addressing the isolation faced by these children and their families.​
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An ambitions £8 million development of a former motorway service area just outside Bristol is currently underway and will be available to the 90,000 disabled children and young people who live within one hour of the City. The centre is due to open in June 2026.​
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John James Bristol Foundation has supported Gympanzees from the start. First, by funding pilot scheme Pop Ups with interactive spaces full of exercises and sensory equipment. Following the success of the pilot schemes, the Foundation pledged £1 million towards the creation of the UK's first fully accessible and inclusive exercise and play facility for disabled people age 0 to 25.
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The funds are being released in tranches in order to facilitate the construction and fit out schedule, and as other funding pledges and commitments are secured.
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The Gympanzees Centre will host 200,000 visits a year and will be open 364 days, 7 days a week, and will provide endless opportunities for health, happiness and much needed support.​​​​
