Nicola Breslin started her rebound therapy classes – called Rebound Therapy with Nikki – in Fazakerley in May 2018 and has now won a competition run by School Letting Solutions

A social entrepreneur who provides ‘rebound therapy’ for children and young people with SEN, autism and physical disabilities in Liverpool has secured a year’s worth of free venue hire.

Nicola Breslin started her rebound therapy classes – called Rebound Therapy with Nikki – in May 2018 after she qualified in rebound therapy, which provides therapeutic exercise on a trampoline.

School Letting Solutions (SLS), which helps schools across the UK let out their facilities, launched its first Active Community competition which offered local community groups, teams and clubs in need of the right facilities the chance to win a year’s hire of an SLS school in their region worth up to £5,000.

The competition saw more than 440 entries flood in and Nicola has come out on top, securing 12 months of free facilities hire in SLS schools in the Fazakerley area of north Liverpool.

She said: “Since finding out I have won the competition I am looking into offering evening sessions during the week, continuing with Saturday and Sunday sessions and possibly taking on an assistant to help me while working with children and young people with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) on the trampoline.

“Rebound Therapy doesn’t just provide physical exercise, it can promote communication, self esteem and confidence.”

Judged by an industry panel including Team GB Olympic gymnast, Becky Downie, and UKactive’s director of children, young people and families, Jack Shakespeare – the competition has also awarded four regional finalists a month’s free hire for their group with a value of up to £500. 

The regional finalists also included Old Skool Liverpool Softball League – a mixed gender league where teams consist of five men and five women from 14 years of age onwards.

Scott Warrington, co-founder of SLS said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the positive response to the competition in its first year.

“The number of entries we’ve received is testament to just how many groups and teams across different sports, age groups and backgrounds are looking for somewhere to come together in their local community and be part of something they feel passionate about.”