New collaboration brings activity, connection, and cake to local group
A new weekly table tennis session is proving a smash hit with people living with Parkinson’s in Lewes, thanks to a collaborative effort between local resident Clare Carroll, the Lewes & District Parkinson’s Support Group, and funding from Ping in the Community and Parkinson’s UK.

We could not have  managed to start the club without your help, advice and contribution towards the tables. These are a joy to put up and are sturdy enough to allow people with Parkinson’s to lean on them.

Clare Carroll – group organiser

The group meets each week for a friendly chat, a cuppa, and a game of table tennis – with laughter, encouragement, and even the occasional slice of cake making it a firm favourite in the local calendar.

John Carroll, who helped set up the sessions, explained how the idea came about:
“The Lewes and District support group already runs a physio exercise class and a singing class, but we wanted to add something a bit more active – especially for people who are newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s. We sent out a questionnaire and Table Tennis came out top.

We applied for funding from both Parkinson’s UK and Table Tennis England’s Ping in the Community initiative – and were thrilled to receive both. That meant we could buy two high-quality tables instead of one, as well as bats and balls. The response has been fantastic – lots of people coming each week, making a lot of noise, and enjoying themselves thoroughly.”

For many participants, the benefits go far beyond physical activity. Geoff Harwood, who attends each week with his wife, spoke about the difference the sessions have made:

“The Table Tennis club we’ve set up here in Lewes is a marvellous thing. It’s allowed my wife, who’s got fairly bad Parkinson’s, to come and play – and our friend Roger, who can hardly move in normal life, plays for 10 or 20 minutes without a problem.
The camaraderie is great – we’re full up every week, and luckily one of our ladies brings along cake too. So we’re doing very well!”

The project is part of a growing movement to explore the benefits of table tennis for people living with Parkinson’s, offering not just a chance to exercise, but to connect, laugh, and live well with the condition.

For more on Ping in the Community and its work supporting health and wellbeing through table tennis, visit www.pinginthecommunity.co.uk

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