Last week, participants of the Parkinson’s sessions at Southbury Leisure Center came together to celebrate the festive season with table tennis, activity and lots of Christmas cheer.
The sessions offered much more than a seasonal meeting. From warm-up activities to table games, followed by plenty of tea, cake, treats and conversation, the afternoon highlighted the very real benefits that regular physical activity, and especially table tennis, can bring to people with Parkinson’s.
Weekly table tennis sessions are run on Tuesdays led by Sandy Nash and activity sessions in the gym on Fridays by Dominic Hall, creating a balanced program that supports both physical and social wellbeing. The sessions continue to attract strong and consistent attendance.
The table tennis sessions attract 15 to 20 participants and specifically focus on coordination, proprioception, balance and hand-eye coordination, all important areas in helping people manage Parkinson’s and maintain their independence in everyday life. Likewise, the exercise group welcomes participants every week, with activities adapted to individual skill levels by a qualified trainer.
Specific movements are included, both on and off the table, to support functional movements and daily tasks. Just as importantly, the informal and welcoming environment encourages social interaction, allowing participants to connect, share experiences and build trust together.
The Christmas session was attended by Table Tennis England’s London Area Manager, Johnathon Driscoll, who reflected on the impact of the programme:
“It was a fantastic afternoon to be a part of and really inspiring to see how everyone was fully involved in the activities. Sandy, Dominic and the volunteers have created a real community through these sessions and the positive impact on those who attend is clear to see. They can be incredibly proud of what they have built. I firmly believe that sport, and table tennis in particular, can be a tool to positively change people’s lives and this session is an embodiment of this belief.”
These long-term sessions are closely aligned with Table Tennis England’s recently announced partnership with Parkinson’s UK, which aims to create more opportunities for people with Parkinson’s to access the sport in a supportive and inclusive environment.
For more information about the inclusive Parkinson’s sessions delivered at Southbury Leisure Centre, visit:
https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/enfield/southbury-leisure-centre/inclusive
If you would like more information about upcoming inclusive opportunities, please contact [email protected]
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