Celebrating 1 year of being a Gympanzees lending library hub!
It’s hard to believe it’s nearly a year since we teamed up with Gympanzees to become one of their Lending Library hubs – their very first one in fact! And the enthusiastic response from families has shown just how much this service is needed. From the very beginning, parent carers have told us how helpful it is to collect equipment locally, and our Community Base has quickly become a trusted, familiar stop‑off point.
Over the past year, families have borrowed all sorts of items – from bigger pieces like a squeeze machine and a horse-riding simulator to smaller sensory tools such as light projectors, weighted jackets and dark dens. Having these available right here in South Glos means families don’t have to travel far or deal with the stress that often comes with accessing specialist equipment.
What’s been especially great is how many parent carers choose to stay on for support once they’ve collected their items. Our Community Base is more than a pick‑up point - it’s a space where families can pause, chat, ask questions and access the support they need. Many parents tell us that popping in to return or collect equipment has given them the confidence to join our drop‑ins, meet other carers, or speak to our peer support team about challenges they’re facing. A quick visit often turns into a moment of connection, reassurance or practical guidance.
This partnership is a big part of SGPC’s commitment to supporting an informed, empowered and well‑connected SEND community. In being a Lending Library hub, we’re offering practical, inclusive help that’s shaped around what families actually need. Our local pick‑up point removes barriers around travel, time, cost and confidence, giving families a safe, welcoming space to collect equipment.
Parent carers have shared with us how much this has helped:
“Being able to pick up and drop off equipment here has been really helpful – and I can stay for the drop‑in support too.”
“I wasn’t planning to stay after returning equipment, but the drop‑in session was so supportive. I’m looking forward to coming back.”
Gympanzees shared this lovely feedback too:
“Working with SGPC has been genuinely brilliant. As our very first Partner Hub, they helped us figure out what the hub model could be in real life, and they’re still our busiest hub today, accounting for over a fifth of all hub deliveries across seven hubs. That really shows how much families rely on SGPC, and how supportive and reliable the team are in helping equipment get to the people who need it.”
Thank you to every family who has used the hub and helped it become such a valued part of our community. We’re excited to keep growing this together.
If you’d like to see what’s available to borrow, visit the Gympanzees Lending Library. Once you’re registered, just reserve your item and choose SGPC Community Base, Kingswood as your pick‑up location.
January 2026