This month feels extra special, because we’re celebrating not one but two Hubaversaries in Wales.
It’s been a year since we partnered with Sparkle at Caerphilly Children’s Centre and Serennu Children’s Centre in Newport, bringing the Gympanzees Lending Library closer to families in their local communities.
Over the past 12 months, what started as shared ambition has grown into something really meaningful. More families discovering support. More disabled children and young people finding equipment that works for them. More moments where things feel just that little bit easier.
We spoke to the wonderful teams at both centres to reflect on the first year, and their words say it better than we ever could.
Watching families discover what’s possible
At Caerphilly Children’s Centre, Emily Sayer, Administration Co-ordinator, says the biggest change has simply been seeing how many families now use the service.
“What stands out most is how many families are now loaning and using equipment through our centre compared to when we first started. We share Gympanzees posters widely with families, and Gympanzees is always mentioned when families are struggling and need extra support.”
That visibility matters. It means families know there’s somewhere to turn, somewhere local, somewhere welcoming.
Jenny Jones, Administration Co-ordinator
at Serennu, has seen the same awareness grow in Newport.
“Having a hub in Serennu makes the community aware that Gympanzees exist.”
Sometimes it really does start with simply knowing support is there.
Making everyday life a little easier
One thing both, Emily and Jenny, spoke about was how powerful it is for families to be able to try equipment before committing to buying it.
“It has been absolutely amazing to partner with Gympanzees,” Emily explains. “It has made a huge difference for our families and community to be able to loan sensory toys. Sensory toys can be very expensive, so having Gympanzees means families can try equipment before deciding what works best.”
She also highlighted how valuable therapy equipment has been for families waiting for NHS provision.
“There is also a lot of OT and physio equipment available, which really helps families while they are waiting for equipment from the NHS.”
Jenny echoes this from the Serennu hub.
“Families are able to hire equipment that might otherwise be out of reach due to cost or simply not knowing what’s available. Using the Lending Library takes away the worry of making an expensive purchase, and for just £3 families can try equipment first to see what truly works for their child.”
The moments that stay with you
When we asked about stories that capture why this partnership matters, both centres shared moments that really stick with you.
At Caerphilly, one family described how valuable it is to be able to swap equipment as their child’s interests change.
“It is hard for us to find sensory toys that my child will actually play with. He chooses a toy he will play with for days, then the next day it will be something else. Gympanzees has been great. I can loan toys for four weeks, then try others again, and if my child wants the same toy, I can just extend the loan. It has been wonderful and I can pick up locally from Caerphilly Children’s Centre.”
At Serennu, Jenny shared a story that shows how far the impact can reach.
“We had a daughter who hired the interactive cat for her Mum who suffers with Alzheimer’s. Her Mum found great comfort in having this ‘toy’ and it goes to show that all ages can benefit.”
Moments like these remind us that support doesn’t sit neatly in age brackets or categories. It simply meets people where they are.
Shared values at the heart of it
Both centres spoke about how naturally the partnership fits with their values and community work.
“We have been able to give families the opportunity to loan specialised play equipment that they may not otherwise be able to access without this partnership,” Emily says. “It relieves the financial burden on families who would otherwise need to purchase expensive equipment independently.”
Jenny puts it simply.
“All of us at the Serennu Centre believe that life is all about inclusivity.”
And that really is what sits at the heart of everything.
From our side
From the Gympanzees side, working with both teams has been just as meaningful.
Leila Rogers, Lending Library Co-ordinator at Gympanzees, says:
“Working with Emily, Jenny and their teams over the past year has been an absolute pleasure. You can really see how much they about providing the best possible experience for families visiting the centres and helping point them in the right direction.”
One year in, and just getting started
When asked to sum up the first year, Emily didn’t hesitate.
“Amazing. We have a great relationship, communication is fantastic, and deliveries are always on point. We are still learning every day, but the partnership has been one of the best things we have done for our centre.”
Jenny is already looking ahead to what comes next.
“This first year has flown by. Let’s see what exciting adventures 2026 brings!”
She also shared a reminder that really captures the heart of this partnership.
“Let’s remember that all children are just that, children, and should be treated the same, regardless of ability, location or financial barriers.”
Thank you for being part of the story
As we celebrate this double Hubaversary, we’re feeling incredibly grateful for the trust, collaboration and shared belief that make partnerships like these possible.
Most of all, we’re grateful to the families who continue to shape what this service becomes, every single day.
Here’s to the first year in Wales, and to many more to come.
Sparkle ensures Gwent children and young people with disabilities and/or developmental difficulties, along with their families, are fully supported and able to participate in valued childhood experiences, with access to the same range of opportunities, life experiences, activities and community services as any other child and their family.
