MP hails work of Gympanzees

Bath MP Wera Hobhouse has praised a pop-up session run by a charity supporting children and young people with disabilities to access fun, fitness, and friendship.

Gympanzees took over Three Ways School in Bath for the last week of August with their play and exercise sessions.

They have held five weeks of roadshows over the summer in Bristol, Bath, Weston-super-mare and Newport.

Ms Hobhouse said: “I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to visit Gympanzees and to listen and engage with local families. Gympanzees plan to open the UK’S first dedicated play, exercise and social inclusion destination for children and young people with disabilities and their families in the South West.

“Research has consistently shown that disabled children have been more isolated than the rest of the population as a result of Covid-19.

“Having this new facility in our area will be a very welcome step forward in improving the quality of life for those who sadly often miss out on so many fun and enriching experiences that others may take for granted.”

Following the MP’S visit, Steph Wheen, CEO, Gympanzees, said: “We were delighted to welcome Wera Hobhouse MP to our Bath Roadshow so that she could see the positive impact that play, exercise and fun have on the health and wellbeing of disabled children, young people and their families.

“Our families tell us that it’s important to them to be able to access a safe, supportive environment regularly where they have equal opportunities to play, exercise and socialise, and this is why it’s so crucial for us to open our permanent facility!”