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It’s been an incredible few months for BounceOT, the Stirling-based social enterprise changing lives through therapeutic play. The team has just been awarded £100,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland through the Fairer Life Chances programme — a two-year investment in their new project, Learning, Playing & Thriving Together!
The project builds directly on BounceOT’s proven model of inclusive, sensory-based therapy and supports the fund’s two key outcomes: helping children, young people and families thrive, and improving people’s relationships, connections, and wellbeing.
“This is a unique and wonderful service that deserves permanent funding,” said one parent carer. “Without places like BounceOT, the gap in support gets wider. They’re a lifeline in a lot of cases.”
Founded in Stirling, BounceOT offers a unique blend of sensory play, physical activity and therapeutic practice, creating an inclusive environment for children and adults with disabilities. The service welcomes anyone who could benefit from sensory-led play — no formal diagnosis required — and supports individuals with a wide range of physical, cognitive and neurodevelopmental needs.
It’s a service designed to fill a critical gap. Many families struggle to access consistent therapy through statutory services, and private provision can be unaffordable. BounceOT offers a middle ground: expert-led, community-driven and accessible to all.
This is BounceOT’s third multi-year Lottery-funded project and their fourth since 2017. Demand has continued to grow, with many families remaining engaged for four to five years or more.
The project will deliver a range of services through BounceOT’s Universal, Targeted and Specialist (UTS) framework, including:
- Free therapeutic playroom access for over 100 new beneficiaries, totalling 1,000 hours of fully funded sessions.
- Discounted rebound therapy services for Stirling families, reducing financial barriers.
- Rebound Therapy training for 100 unpaid carers, empowering them with new skills and confidence.
- Inclusive health promotion workshops co-created with families and the community.
The outcomes are ambitious yet achievable: improved wellbeing for children and adults, reduced isolation for families, and greater confidence and resilience among carers and volunteers.
“It’s very hard to get places for children with disabilities that can cater to their needs,” another parent shared. “BounceOT gives our children joy and gives us a break.”
BounceOT’s approach has evolved from consultation to genuine collaboration. Families help design services, review programmes and even advise the Board through the Parent Partners Group. Feedback is constant — gathered through social media, closed forums and review sessions every two months — ensuring the service grows with the people who use it.
This spirit of co-production extends to their growing volunteer network. Over the next two years, more than 40 volunteers — from high school students to international university placements — will support delivery, research and creative projects. BounceOT partners with universities across the UK and Europe, including Stirling, Glasgow Caledonian, Queen Margaret and London South Bank, to provide hands-on learning opportunities.
BounceOT’s commitment to inclusion doesn’t stop with the families it supports — it’s embedded in how the organisation operates. The team was recently named a finalist for the Living Pension Award, recognising their leadership in fair and secure employment.
Already accredited as a Living Wage Employer, BounceOT went a step further by adopting the Living Pension standard — ensuring that staff working flexible or part-time hours can still build financial security for the future.
“Being shortlisted for the Living Pension Award is a proud moment,” said Callum, Founder and Executive Director. “It reflects our commitment to creating a workplace where fairness, dignity and long-term security aren’t just words — they’re what we do.”
The accreditation has boosted staff confidence, strengthened retention and reinforced BounceOT’s position as a values-led employer.
The organisation also offers flexible working, birthday leave, “duvet days”, and even career development funding — supporting a team member this year to train as an Occupational Therapy Assistant.
Through all this, BounceOT’s mission remains simple: to create spaces where everyone can learn, play and thrive together. The new funding will enable the organisation to reach more families, reduce barriers to therapy, and build stronger, more connected communities.
As one parent summed it up:
“They need to know how much parents rely on this service.”
With the support of The National Lottery Community Fund and the ongoing commitment of families, volunteers and partners, BounceOT is proving that inclusion isn’t just possible — it’s powerful.
The BounceOT team pictured at their base in Stirling Enterprise Park.
