Gympanzees receive royal recognition

This summer, Gympanzees, a charity from Bristol, was presented with the UK's highest business accolade for enterprise innovation for their inclusive pop-up play and exercise facilities for children and young people with disabilities.

Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Bristol, Peaches Golding, represented the Queen at Gympanzees Pop Up in Patchway to present the charity with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Crystal.

Gympanzees have been running Pop Up play and exercise centres during the Easter and Summer holidays as they fundraise for a permanent home. The charity takes over a school and fills it with different A fantastic recognition themed rooms and specialist kit designed of the innovation and for all disabilities and energy of the team abilities. They have seen incredible results, such as a 5-year-old who slept through the night for the first time after her session and a 3-year-old boy who had their first-ever laugh.

Designed by professionals with extensive knowledge of disability and exercise, all the equipment at Gympanzees is designed to promote physical activity or sensory integration that is often otherwise inaccessible due to cost and limited state-funded provision. Their services are fully inclusive and accessible to those with any disability and those without disabilities. This provides a rare opportunity for families of mixed abilities to play together.

On receiving the award Gympanzees CEO and Founder Stephanie Wheen said “I am absolutely thrilled and honoured that we have received this incredible award. I’m so happy for all our staff, volunteers, and plethora of other supporters that their hard work and pure dedication has been recognised like this.” Tom and Teri, who are service users of Gympanzees, said “Congratulations to everyone at Gympanzees! A fantastic recognition of the innovation and energy of the team. We love going to the Pop Ups, especially the gym, trampolines, and café for the brownies! It’s great to go with family and friends. Everything is possible there!”

Find out more about the charity and their appeal for a permanent home - Gympanzees.org

Image credit: @JonCraig_Photos