Leatherhead and Dorking Gymnastics - case study summary
The project involved extending the facility by building an additional gymnasium, a sensory room to provide additional and bespoke facilities for children with disabilities and an enhanced reception area to improve access for all users.
Your Fund Surrey supported Leatherhead & Dorking Gymnastics with £550,000 (42% of total project cost) towards build works and equipment.
Community focus
This aim of this project was to improve access to inclusive physical activity for children and young people, particularly those with physical, learning and sensory disabilities. While the Club already provided inclusive programmes, their existing space limited their ability to fully meet the needs of children with more complex disabilities. The new facilities aimed to address this gap, creating environments that support participation, independence and wellbeing for a wider range of users, including wheelchair users and children requiring sensory support.
The extension of the gym was also intended to increase local capacity to meet growing demand, including future population growth linked to new housing developments within walking distance of the site. By maintaining affordable pricing, subsidising disability groups and reinvesting any surplus into community provision, the project aims to deliver long-term, sustainable community benefit, strengthening inclusive sport provision across Leatherhead, Dorking and the wider Mole Valley area.
Impact since funding
The extended facility, including the new sensory room, has supported sustained engagement from SEN schools, universities and community partners, with multiple weekly sessions delivered to pupils with a wide range of disabilities. The club has provided free and subsidised sessions to SEN schools, delivered outreach gymnastics in school settings, hosted staff CPD to build confidence in inclusive teaching. Following a change in their constitution, they are now able to welcome new user groups such as university students and adults
The sensory room has become a valued and growing resource for SEN users and families, helping to reduce barriers to participation, promote wellbeing and encourage social connection at early years and toddler stages. Overall, the project has strengthened local partnerships, increased participation among underrepresented groups, improved accessibility, and created a welcoming, inclusive space that supports physical health, confidence and community cohesion across Surrey.
