Lewes table tennis programme transforms lives of people living with Parkinson’s

A community table tennis programme in Lewes is helping people living with Parkinson’s regain confidence, improve their mobility and build lasting friendships, with more than 20 people now attending free weekly sessions.

What began as one woman's chance discovery of a table tennis table in a local park has developed into a thriving community initiative, supported by Parkinson's UK and Table Tennis England.

The programme was inspired by Lewes resident Clare Carroll, who lives with Parkinson's.

In 2023, Clare came across a table tennis table in her local park and decided to give it a try.

Having previously struggled to participate in other physical activities because of her condition, she was surprised to discover that she could still enjoy the sport.

As a member of the Lewes and District Parkinson's UK Support Group, Clare shared her experience with fellow members.

A subsequent consultation revealed considerable interest in table tennis, with members placing the sport at the top of their wishlist for future activities.

With funding from Parkinson's UK's Physical Activity Grants programme, the group secured a venue and purchased equipment through Table Tennis England's Ping in the Community initiative.

The first sessions began in March 2025, and the programme has since grown to attract more than 20 regular participants.

The weekly classes are designed to be accessible to people of different ages and abilities, with experienced instructors and volunteers providing support.

Players can take part in singles or doubles games, with regular breaks allowing participants to rest, socialise and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

Clare, who now supports the sessions as both an instructor and participant, says watching others rediscover their ability to play sport has been particularly rewarding.

She said: “Being able to see how you are able to move and play a sport with a condition like Parkinson’s is incredible. I still feel a sense of elation when I see others experience the same feeling when they play table tennis.

“It is astonishing, generally when you’re hunched in a wheelchair to suddenly get up and realise you can smack a ball about with a bit of oomph is really quite nice”.

Local table tennis player Paul also attends the sessions, providing coaching and occasionally organising friendly competitions.

He said: “People who could hardly hit the ball, as they get more confident, their mobility seems to be better on the table. They can play to a level where they get enjoyment from it”.

One of the programme's most remarkable success stories is Nigel, who returned to table tennis after more than five decades away from the sport.

Having last played at school, Nigel rediscovered his enthusiasm for table tennis after being diagnosed with Parkinson's.

He has since progressed from the weekly Lewes sessions to competing in domestic and international tournaments for people living with the condition.

In September, he won a medal at a competition in France.

Nigel says the sport has given him a renewed sense of purpose following his diagnosis.

He said: “One of the issues I think when you get diagnosed with any condition, is you get very depressed at first, you don’t quite know what to do. I’ve realised you should have projects in life and adventure, and somehow this has been a good project for me to do and it’s an adventure – it keeps the spirits up”.

The sessions have also become an important source of social support, not only for people living with Parkinson's but also for their families and carers.

Volunteers, including people whose partners or loved ones have Parkinson's, help create a welcoming environment where participants can exercise, talk and support one another.

Chris Brown, Director of Table Tennis Development at Table Tennis England, praised the success of the Lewes initiative.

He said: "The inspiring stories shared by the participants at the Lewes Parkinson's sessions show the incredible impact table tennis can have for people living with the condition.

“Not only can the sport help to alleviate their symptoms, it also helps them to maintain their independence, build friendships and become part of a supportive community.

“We are working alongside Parkinson’s UK and Parkinson’s England Table Tennis to help more people around the country discover those benefits."

Parkinson's UK says the programme demonstrates how accessible physical activity can improve people's quality of life.

Jed Parsons, Physical Activity Programmes and Delivery Manager at Parkinson's UK, said: “The Lewes table tennis sessions are a fantastic example of how the right physical activity opportunity can make a real difference to life with Parkinson’s.

“It’s not just about being active and enjoying the physical benefits; it’s about building confidence, creating friendships and feeling part of a community.

“Through our Physical Activity Grants and partnerships with organisations such as Table Tennis England, we want to help more people with Parkinson’s access activities that are inclusive, enjoyable and meet their needs.

“The success of the Lewes group shows what can be achieved when local people, volunteers and partners work together to create opportunities that help people live well with Parkinson’s.”

Looking ahead, some participants hope to develop their skills and compete in further tournaments, while others are simply enjoying the opportunity to remain active and meet friends each week.

The sessions remain free to attend, although donations to support the group are welcomed.

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