family
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friends
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fun
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fitness
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function
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future
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inclusion
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therapy
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family • friends • fun • fitness • function • future • inclusion • therapy •
What’s behind the name f⁶it?
It is pronounced ‘fit’, but it stands for much more…
The 6 Fs of inclusion:
Our name was inspired by the work done by Dr. Rosenbaum and Dr. Gorter in a paper published in 2011 titled: The ‘F-words’ in Childhood Disability: I swear this is how we should think! and is built upon the World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework.
It’s about joy, connection, and focusing on what really matters in children’s lives.
f⁶it aims to bring these 6 key areas to life through the activities it offers in the local community.
Our beginnings
f⁶it was founded by Anel van der Merwe, a children’s physiotherapist with over 28 years’ experience of working with children with disabilities and additional needs. Through her work she became aware of the lack of availability and accessibility of sport and recreational activities and support for disabled children and their families in the local community. She further understood the immense impact this had on the whole families’ physical and emotional health and wellbeing.
In 2017/2018, an in-depth consultation with many of the families she worked with, inspired Anel to create a project to address the wider needs of this community. And so f⁶it was born.
We have a wonderful team made up of a small but dedicated team of staff and volunteers, all united by a passion to create a truly inclusive community.
f⁶it timeline
2018
Consultation with focus groups identified family support as priority area of need
2019/2020
Launched first soft play sessions and parent/carer networking and learning events with presentations from experts in fields such as EHCP writing and SEND law
2021
First wheelchair multi-sports pilot sessions
2022
Inaugural inclusive family fun afternoon at Sayer’s Croft Outdoor Activity Centre
2022
With the support of Eve Roberts and Richard Kerr at CP Sport, f⁶it partnered with Beacon Hill Football Club to start a Cerebral Palsy Frame Football team.
2022
Our first Art and Board Games pilot session
2024
In May, f⁶it was established as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation