One year ago, South Glos Parent Carers (SGPC) in Kingswood became the very first Gympanzees Partner Hub. What began as a shared idea quickly grew into something that now plays a vital role in helping families access specialist equipment locally, practically, and with far less stress.
As we celebrate SGPC’s first hubaversary, we wanted to reflect on what the past 12 months have meant for families, the community, and the wider Gympanzees Lending Library.
Looking back on the past year
Reflecting on the partnership, Sam Coleman, Business Developer & Marketing Co-ordinator and Joey Savory, Peer Support Co-ordinator and the Peer Supporters at SGPC, shared how powerful the past year has been.
Parents have consistently given positive feedback, and the way the local community embraced the hub from day one made it clear that this kind of accessible, local support was not only welcomed but genuinely needed.
When parents come to collect equipment on drop-off days, it often sparks conversations and opens doors to further support. These moments have created opportunities for families to discover SGPC’s parent carer forum and the wider resources available to them.
Overall, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with families delighted to have a convenient, trusted local hub they can rely on.
What this has meant for families and the community
According to Community Support team, the partnership has made specialist equipment more local, more achievable and far less stressful for families across South Gloucestershire
By hosting pick-ups and returns in Kingswood, families no longer have to travel long distances or navigate unfamiliar spaces. This reduces stress and removes barriers around time, cost and confidence.
Being able to try equipment before committing to a purchase has been especially valuable, particularly for higher-cost items. Families can see what genuinely works for their child, avoiding unnecessary financial strain and gaining confidence in their decisions.
Moments that capture why this partnership matters
One moment from the past year really captured the impact of the hub.
A mum collecting equipment at the Kingswood hub had not previously known about SGPC or the support available. She arrived at a particularly difficult point, but through conversations at the hub, she discovered the parent carer forum and the wider support network.
That connection helped her feel less isolated and empowered her to approach her family’s situation with a new perspective.
For Joey, moments like this highlight how hubs are about much more than equipment, they are about connection, understanding and community.
Shared values and shared purpose
This partnership strongly aligns with SGPC’s wider commitment to building a well-informed, empowered and supportive SEND community.
Hosting the Gympanzees Lending Library hub brings that commitment to life in a practical, inclusive way, shaped directly around real family needs. It ensures support is embedded locally rather than kept at a distance, making access simpler and more human.
A year in one sentence
When asked to sum up the first year of the partnership, Joey described it as:
“A year of local access, shared purpose and meaningful support for families across South Gloucestershire.”
Reflecting on the partnership, Leila Rogers, Gympanzees Lending Library Officer, said:
“Working with SGPC has been genuinely brilliant. As our very first Partner Hub, they helped us figure out what the hub model could look like in real life, shaping how we support families through the Lending Library today. They’re still our busiest hub, accounting for over a fifth of all hub deliveries across seven hubs, which really shows how much families rely on SGPC. The team are incredibly supportive, reliable and committed to helping specialist equipment reach the people who need it most.”
With thanks
As we celebrate one year of partnership, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has made the SGPC hub such a success.
Thank you to the families who have embraced the hub and helped it grow into such a valued local resource. Thank you to SGPC for their ongoing commitment to making access easier and support stronger.
And a huge thank you to the volunteer drivers who deliver and collect equipment come rain or shine, always with care, consideration and a smile. This partnership simply would not work without you.
