We’re proud to announce that BounceOT has been awarded a £100,000 grant from The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland, through the Fairer Life Chances programme. This two-year funding will support our new project:
“Learning, Playing & Thriving Together!”, based in Stirling.
This project directly supports both of the fund’s key outcomes:
- Children, young people and families thrive
- People have better relationships, connections, and physical or mental health
“This is a unique and wonderful service that deserves permanent funding… Without places like BounceOT, the gap in support gets wider. They’re a lifeline in a lot of cases.”
Parent Carer
What Is BounceOT?
BounceOT is a unique therapeutic service that combines sensory play with physical activity, creating a fun, inclusive, and safe space for children and adults with disabilities. We support individuals with a wide range of physical, sensory, cognitive, and neurodevelopmental conditions—many of whom face barriers to accessing mainstream services.
Our inclusive model means no formal diagnosis is required. We welcome anyone who would benefit from therapeutic play and sensory-based activities, regardless of background or level of need.
Why This Project Is Needed
This is our third multi-year Lottery-funded project, and our fourth overall since 2017. Each initiative has built on the measurable success of the last, with families continuing to rely on BounceOT for 4–5 years on average. Many individuals who joined us in 2017 are still actively engaged today.
There remains a significant gap in inclusive, accessible therapeutic play services in Stirling. BounceOT fills this gap with a welcoming, evidence-informed environment that mainstream services often cannot provide.
What Families Are Saying
“Without places like BounceOT, the gap in support gets wider.”
“This is a unique and wonderful service that deserves permanent funding. Many children who access this service are unable to get therapies through the NHS or afford private therapies.”
“They need to know how much parents rely on this service.”
“It’s very hard to get places for children with disabilities that can cater to their needs.”
We’ve also supported families facing discrimination in commercial venues, such as trampoline parks refusing entry to children with disabilities. These systemic barriers only reinforce the need for safe, inclusive spaces like BounceOT.
What This Project Will Deliver
Using our Universal, Targeted, and Specialist (UTS) framework, we will deliver:
1. Universal: Health Promotion Activities
Inclusive workshops, community events, and online resources co-created with families to promote the joy and therapeutic value of play.
2. Universal & Targeted: Free Therapeutic Playroom Access
At least 100 new beneficiaries will receive up to 10 fully funded sessions each in our autism-friendly and wheelchair-accessible playroom—totalling 1,000 hours of therapeutic services.
3. Targeted: Discounted Rebound Therapy Services
Families from the Stirling Council area can access services at up to 50% off using a discount code when booking online, helping to reduce financial barriers and maintain accessibility.
4. Targeted & Specialist: Rebound Therapy Training for Unpaid Carers
We will certify 100 parent and family carers in rebound therapy, empowering them with practical skills and confidence to support their loved ones.
Outcomes We Will Achieve
- Improved physical and mental wellbeing for disabled individuals.
- Increased confidence and skills among unpaid carers.
- Greater social inclusion and reduced isolation for families.
- Enhanced knowledge and experience for student volunteers.
- Increased community awareness of the value of play and sensory-based therapies.
Designed With the People We Support
This project was co-created with our beneficiaries. Over the past few years, we’ve evolved from consultation to meaningful collaboration, supported by training in co-production methodologies.
How We Involved Families:
- Universal Reviews every two months via email and social media.
- Parent Partners Group advising our Board of Directors.
- Closed Facebook Group for real-time feedback and peer support.
- Service Development Workshops with families and staff.
- Staff-led innovation, informed by direct work with families.
The Difference We’ll Make to Our Community
BounceOT provides a safe, inclusive space where families feel supported and empowered. Our impact includes:
- Bridging gaps in therapeutic services for those unable to access NHS or private therapy.
- Reducing stress and burnout among carers through respite and training.
- Creating meaningful moments for families often excluded from mainstream activities.
- Challenging stigma and advocating for accessibility.
- Building community resilience through education, empowerment, and connection.
How We’ll Keep Families Involved
We’re embedding co-creation throughout the project:
- Workshops where staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries collaborate as equals.
- Organisational planning informed by lived experience.
- Advisory roles on our Board and Parent Partners Group.
- Inclusive feedback loops via reviews and social media.
This approach aligns with our newly launched Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Policy & Action Plan, ensuring everyone has a voice and can contribute meaningfully.
Celebrating Strengths & Skills
We recognise and celebrate the strengths of our community:
- Parent carers bring deep knowledge and insight.
- Young people with disabilities help design inclusive resources.
- Student volunteers apply academic learning to real-world settings.
We match volunteers to roles that align with their interests—whether in direct support, research, or creative development—ensuring a mutually beneficial experience.
Over the next two years, we’ll be supported by at least 40 volunteers, including:
- High school students seeking work experience
- University students on BSc and MSc placements
- Remote and international placements, including our ongoing partnership with an occupational therapy institution in Belgium
We’re proud to collaborate with universities such as:
- University of Stirling (Psychology)
- Glasgow Caledonian University (OT & Psychology)
- Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh Napier, Brunel University, London South Bank, University of Brighton
- More recently, we have started a partnership with City St George's, Univeristy of London
Connecting with Other Services
BounceOT complements and connects with other services by:
- Collaborating with local schools, NHS & Local Authorty teams, and third-sector organisations.
- Accepting referrals and signposting families to additional support.
- Hosting student placements from UK and European universities.
- Sharing resources and learning with other community groups.
We’re also part of wider networks advocating for disability rights and inclusive play, helping amplify the voices of the families we support.
Measuring Our Impact
We’ll evaluate our impact using:
- Pre- and post-assessments for therapeutic goals.
- Feedback surveys from families, carers, and volunteers.
- Case studies and testimonials capturing lived experiences.
- Engagement data including attendance and repeat participation.
- Volunteer tracking and academic supervisor feedback.
We’ll also monitor referral trends and uptake of discounted services to assess ongoing demand.
Learning & Improving
We’re committed to continuous improvement:
- Regular team debriefs to review feedback and adapt delivery.
- Engagement with academic and clinical partners.
- Feedback loops with families to co-design improvements.
- Sharing findings through blogs, presentations, and research.
- Annual review of our UTS framework to ensure relevance.
Final Thoughts
This funding marks a transformational moment for BounceOT and the families we support. With the backing of The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland, we’re ready to expand our reach, deepen our impact, and continue building a community where everyone can learn, play, and thrive together.
Thank you to our families, volunteers, partners, and supporters.
This is your success too—and we can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together.
