Parents Welcome Life-Changing UK Play Centre for Disabled Children

A brand new facility near Bristol is set to open its doors, bringing a life-changing resource for families of disabled children who often find standard public spaces inaccessible. Stephanie Wheen spent over a decade working to establish the UK's first permanent play and leisure centre specifically tailored for children with disabilities. Born out of her experience as a children's physiotherapist in Bristol, the initiative addresses a severe lack of suitable community facilities, with research by the charity Scope indicating that half of UK playgrounds are inaccessible to disabled youngsters.

Stephanie Wheen and her team initially operated pop-up sessions during school holidays using specialist equipment brought in by lorries. After witnessing the immediate physical and mental health benefits for visiting children, the charity purchased a 60-year-old former service station near the Severn Bridge. Funded by a £2.2m loan and over £10m in total fundraising, the 4,000 square metre site features ten specialized zones, including a gym, music room, sensory spaces, and a fully accessible outdoor play park.

A new £10m facility near Bristol provides the UK's first permanent inclusive play centre for disabled children.

Chief operating officer Fran Garland noted that traditional playgrounds often leave disabled children watching from their wheelchairs while others play. To combat this, the centre introduces unique features such as a two-storey soft play area equipped with two hoist systems and a party room featuring DJ equipment controlled via eye-gaze technology. Families can book tailored sessions based on specific needs, including butterfly sessions for complex medical requirements, leopard sessions for sensory needs, and gorilla sessions for socialisation challenges.

Parents have expressed profound relief regarding the upcoming opening. Bethan Campbell-Watkins, whose daughter has autism and learning difficulties, described the project as vital for families facing judgment in standard parks. Kelly Cotter, whose teenage son is non-verbal and uses a wheelchair, highlighted that the facility restores choice and freedom for families whose options had previously vanished.

Why it matters

This new £10m centre addresses a major gap in infrastructure for disabled youth, offering a secure environment where children who are twice as likely to be obese can safely exercise and socialise. By providing specialised equipment, sensory rooms, and tailored sessions, the facility ensures that families previously excluded from public recreation have access to dedicated leisure spaces.