News & Blog

Here you’ll find the latest news from Challengers and blog posts from our community.

Introducing the Impact Report 2021!

Author:: Challengers

We are pleased to present our Impact Report for 2021 – a document which represents the importance of our work, and shows the first hand positive impact it can have on disabled children and young people, enabling them to live meaningful and fulfilling lives, as well as on their families to feel supported and more empowered.

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Celebrating Pride 2022

Author:: Gen Dearman

Pride month is all about acceptance, equality, celebrating the work of LGBTQ+ people and to raise awareness of issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. As we come to the end of Pride month, it is a time to reflect and recognise how far we have come since the Stonewall riots 50 years ago.

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Flo’s Story – Living with a disabled sibling

Author:: Flo Petrie (Guest Blog)

Flo’s brother Adam previously attended Challengers, where he enjoyed many years of inclusive fun and play – benefitting both him and his family. Drawing on her own experience of growing up with a disabled sibling, Flo has written and produced a play called ‘Aaron’ which offers an honest, moving and stripped-back portrayal of life with a disability.

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Challengers celebrates commitment to paying Real Living Wage

Author:: Challengers

We are so excited to share that we are now officially accredited as a Living Wage Employer, paying the Real Living Wage! As an accredited employer, all members of staff working at Challengers now receive a minimum hourly wage of £9.90 (£11.05 in London), regardless of their age.

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Remembering Sandy Tyrrell

Author:: Challengers

We are very sad to announce that Sandy Tyrrell – a wonderful former playworker, Trustee, and Patron of Challengers – has passed away. Sandy was one of Challengers’ first ever playworkers back when the charity first started and has been a truly amazing supporter over the years.  

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Challengers appoints Gennie Dearman as new Chief Executive

Author:: Challengers

We are delighted to announce that Gennie Dearman has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Challengers. Gennie’s appointment follows a rigorous recruitment process to find the best fit for the charity from a number of very high-quality applicants.

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Farewell to the Guildford Playground

Author:: Challengers

Anyone who has been to Challengers Playcentre in Guildford will be familiar with the large, colourful playground structure which takes up much of the outdoor space. So many children have enjoyed the playground over the years, but sadly now is the time for us to say goodbye to it. 

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