Parkinson’s table tennis group serves up fun in Cirencester

The council, in partnership with Freedom Leisure, has teamed up with the local branch of Parkinson’s UK to launch the group designed specifically for people living with the disease.   

Funded by the council’s Active Cotswold Programme, the innovative initiative offers a fun, social and engaging way to stay active while reaping the physical and mental benefits of the sport. 

To kickstart the programme, Active Cotswold is funding the first eight sessions, giving participants a chance to try it out free of charge.  

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement, causing symptoms like tremors, slowness of movement, and stiffness, due to a loss of brain cells that produce dopamine.  According to Parkinson’s UK there are around 155,000 people with the disease in the UK and around 2,100 in Gloucestershire. 

Among the people taking part in the new activity group is retiree Sean Moore, who has been living with Parkinson’s for eight years. Sean said he last played table tennis 30 years ago but was surprised how easily it came back to him – with the hardest part being “picking up the ball”.  

“The reason I come to this is because it gets me out and meeting other people, which is hugely important to me,” he said. “But it’s also supposed to be good for you aerobically so it’s well worth coming”. 

Sean is one of around 200 members of the local Cirencester and Stroud Branch of Parkinson’s UK, which organised the activity. 

Kevin Young, chair of the branch, said research showed regular exercise, including sports like table tennis and pickle ball, could improve mobility, coordination and overall well-being for people with Parkinson’s. 

“We know it’s beneficial for people with Parkinson’s to remain active if possible for at least two and a half hours per week as a minimum,” said Kevin.  

“It really does help to slow down the effects of the condition, so we are trying to increase the number of activities they do by giving them a menu of choice and they choose what they want to take part in.” 

Kate Holland, community support officer at Cotswold District Council, said: “We’re thrilled to be supporting this fantastic initiative. Exercise is a powerful tool for improving both physical and mental health, and it’s wonderful to see a group like this bringing people together in such a positive and inclusive way.” 

Beyond table tennis, the local Parkinson’s UK group is also keen to raise awareness of their Parky Pals football sessions and regular support meetings, offering even more opportunities for social connection and physical activity. 

With World Parkinson’s Day coming up on April 11, now is the perfect time to highlight the importance of accessible and enjoyable exercise opportunities for people living with Parkinson’s. 

The group meets weekly, with the next session set for Wednesday, April 9, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Cirencester Leisure Centre. Sessions will continue for free every Wednesday until  May 14. 

For more information on the Parkinson’s UK Cirencester & Stroud Branch, please contact: cirenstroudpuk@yahoo.com