F⁶IT is a relatively new organisation. It was founded just five years ago, and has only been a registered charity for the past two of those. However, it is already achieving incredible things and making a huge difference for children and families, not just in Haslemere and the surrounding villages, but also further afield. We met up with Laura Baxter and Laura Attwater, who between them have over 30 years of experience in the disability and leisure industry, to find out more. 

The brainchild of local children’s physiotherapist based in Brook, Anel van der Merwe, Anel had recognised through her work how little availability and accessibility there was for disabled children and their families in the local area. Time and again, she would send her disabled clients off with instructions to practice the physio she had given them, only to find next time she saw them that they hadn’t been able to. The reason given was consistent - the opportunities to do so simply didn’t exist. Anel also understood the impact that the lack of availability and accessibility of sport and recreation had on the whole families’ physical and emotional health and wellbeing. She became determined to find a solution. 

Across 2017 and 2018, in-depth consultations with many families she worked with, inspired her to create F6IT, designed to address the wider needs of disabled children, their families and friends. The reality is that, as incredibly rewarding as it is to be the parent or carer of a disabled child, it usually comes with challenges that parents of non-disabled children simply do not have to face. One of the key things these families often miss out on is the school community. Parents of non-disabled children can easily meet others at the school gates and form friendships via their school PTA. Yet, this is often not possible for those with disabled children, perhaps because there isn’t a suitable local school for them to attend or because they need to be taken to school in a taxi or minibus. 

And whilst Laura recognises how many facilities are trying to provide accessibility, accessibility alone does not actually solve the problem. Laura explained how a leisure centre may provide access for those with disabilities but the reality is that the environment at that centre may not be welcoming. It may be that it’s simply too crowded for the disabled child to feel comfortable, or it may be that the child with a disability finds themselves stared at by other people using that facility who don’t perhaps have the understanding required. 

Disability Sport has seen a real explosion since the 2012 Olympics and there have certainly been positive changes within the wider community over the last 14 years. But there is still much still to be done for society to be truly inclusive. 

In contrast, those attending a F⁶IT session will be surrounded by people who are in the same boat and who genuinely understand. Put simply, the whole premise is that non-disabled and disabled children and adults play together, making it truly inclusive. It’s this that makes F⁶IT unique. Most activities for disabled children tend to be designed to give the families respite. At F⁶IT, it’s all about everyone enjoying the leisure activities together. This breaks down barriers, reduces isolation and boosts physical and mental health and well-being. 

So, take just one of their sessions – at Sayers Croft, an outdoor activity centre, a young person will be going up the climbing wall in an assisted sling, with their non-disabled sibling climbing up alongside. Or for wheelchair basketball at The Edge, a non-disabled brother will need to use the same sports wheelchair as his disabled sister. Of course, F⁶IT will also ensure that all accessibility adaptations are provided, from communication aids to accessible changing facilities. 

It's clear that F⁶IT have come up with a winning formula. One parent said, ‘It can be very isolating because we cannot participate in the same way. For the young person, to be able to go somewhere and to focus on something they can do for themselves rather than sit and watch their siblings is amazing. It’s wonderful for siblings to meet other families and see others in similar situations. To be involved in something they can do together with their disabled sibling helps to enable them to try and include them more, see that they can also be involved and brings a closer bond.’ 

Currently, the majority of F⁶IT’s activities take place at The Edge in Haslemere. On Saturdays throughout the term, between the hours of 9.30 a.m. and 5 p.m., a host of activity sessions will be held providing access to leisure activities for disabled children and young adults aged 25 and below, along with their friends and families. From wheelchair multi-sports to frame football, from an art club to a family swim and from coffee mornings to adventure days, the programme is growing in depth all the time. 

In fact, they almost doubled the number of activities they could offer in 2025 versus the previous year, quadrupled the number of sessions run and tripled the number of attendees. Every session is affordable for all, with a cost of just £3 per head. 

As much as the activities may seem to be just about having fun, there is actually a more serious intention behind them. The emphasis is just as much on the development of skills than on the enjoyment factor (which is a natural by-product of what they do!) F⁶IT want to create a genuine love for sport, for example, that they will continue into adult life. Or which will even allow someone to complete in a sport in the future. 

But, for Laura, perhaps the biggest benefit is the community that F6IT creates for those attending. She told us, ‘The community we build is a by-product of what we do, but the connections that I have seen in the last six months have blown me away.’ 

Many of those families that Anel first consulted with, have remained heavily involved in the charity. Several hold positions on the advisory group that steers the direction of F⁶IT today. With so much lived experience on this board, the charity can be confident in the direction they are taking. 

Volunteers remain the backbone of the work that F⁶IT do. Twenty three volunteers currently give up hundreds of hours between them each year to help ensure F⁶IT can run their varied activity programme. Each activity has a Session Lead but numerous volunteers are required, whether to play alongside the children or to provide verbal or physical support. But, volunteers are also welcomed behind the scenes too, so if you’re not around to help on a Saturday there are plenty of other jobs that need doing. That may be helping putting together their newsletter, writing up reports or putting together activity packs. 

And there are also opportunities for students to enjoy Duke of Edinburgh or work experience placements at F⁶IT too. F⁶IT know that their volunteers can create a positive ripple effect in the wider community. Get involved in F⁶IT and a non-disabled person with no previous experience of life for those living with a disability can start to better understand how to create a more inclusive environment within a standard community setting. 

Looking forward, the team at F⁶IT know that there are many more children and families that they would like to support. There are already 400 beneficiaries of their work. But, they are conscious that there are around 9000 disabled children in Surrey alone and F⁶IT is reaching just a fraction of these. On the plus side, their base at The Edge in Haslemere is a great location – they already have families coming north along the A3 from Portsmouth and south from London. But, to help more people, they need extra pairs of hands. 

Volunteers are welcome from aged 14 and upwards, making it a great opportunity for those doing their Duke of Edinburgh Award. All volunteers will receive full training and a uniform will be provided where appropriate. The charity will also cover the costs of the DBS check. Why not get in touch with them directly to find out more about the work they do and see if you can spare some time to volunteer, either at one of their activity sessions or helping with admin behind the scenes? 

You can also currently show your support for F⁶IT by popping your green token into the appropriate slot when you are next shopping in Waitrose. 

Alternatively, donate online via their website. 

And, of course, if you are the parent, friend, sibling or carer of a disabled child or young adult and would like to join the activities on offer, the F6IT team would love to hear from you. Email them at hello@f6it.org to find out more.