Inclusive circus company launches fundraiser to improve access for wheelchair users
Inclusive circus company Circable has launched a fundraising campaign to help widen access to circus-based wellbeing activities for people with limited mobility and wheelchair users.
Founded in February by long-time friends Cindy Downey and Rosa Iddon Cooper, Circable delivers mobile circus workshops, performances and wellbeing sessions for people of all ages and abilities, including children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEN).
The company is now looking to purchase a portable aerial rig that can support more accessible participation in circus activities. To help fund the equipment, Circable has launched a GoFundMe campaign with a target of £5,000.
Circable was established following significant career changes for both founders, who have known each other for more than two decades. The pair say their combined personal and professional experiences helped shape the direction of the business.
Downey previously spent around 20 years working as a paramedic before stepping away from the profession following the death of her father. During that period, she pursued a long-standing interest in performance and trained at circus school to develop specialist skills.
Iddon Cooper, meanwhile, had been working in a management role within the care sector. While she enjoyed supporting vulnerable people and families directly, she had become increasingly frustrated by the administrative pressures of the role.
The pair later combined their experience across education, care and performance to create Circable, with a focus on movement, creativity, confidence and wellbeing.
The company now provides workshops in schools, care settings, community venues and at private events, with sessions adapted to suit different physical and cognitive needs.
Downey said accessibility remains central to Circable’s development plans.
“We want the freedom to fly to be available to everyone who attends our sessions,” she said. “The portable rig would allow people with mobility issues, including wheelchair users, to take part in activities that are often not accessible to them.
“We are currently trying to raise £5,000 to make that possible and expand what we can offer.”
The founders say they are seeing growing demand for inclusive activities that combine physical movement with confidence-building and social interaction, particularly for children and young people who may struggle to access traditional sports or performing arts programmes.
Iddon Cooper said the company’s mobile approach is designed to remove barriers for participants and families.
“Circable was created for everyone and mobility is a major part of that,” she said. “We want people to be able to access the experience without limitations, regardless of where they are or the support they require.
“Our ethos has always been built around wellbeing and movement, particularly for children and individuals who may not normally have access to these kinds of activities.”
Since launching earlier this year, Circable has begun building partnerships with schools, community groups and organisations supporting people with additional needs across the region.
The founders say future plans include expanding the number of workshops available, increasing outreach work and developing more specialist accessible equipment as demand grows.
The fundraising campaign is expected to remain active over the coming months while Circable continues to broaden its programme of events and community sessions.
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