Annual Review 2025 8 Dignity in Dementia table tennis group Howling winds and lashing rain batter Arnside Educational Institute but inside the only sound is of gentle chatter, laughter and the unmistakable tap of ping pong bats on balls. Every other Wednesday morning, this community hall plays host to the Dignity in Dementia table tennis group. Around 30 people regularly attend: those with dementia, their partners and carers. Sessions officially start at 10.30am, but by just after 10 o’clock, the first players are already arriving, eager to get started. The sessions, along with a regular dementiafriendly walking group, are funded by the Community Foundation, through the myLakeland Fund. Dignity in Dementia Director Lesley Gill said: “We know that many individuals with dementia, as well as their family, experience overwhelming feelings of hopelessness and fear. They can quickly lose confidence and stop trying to participate in ways they have previously. “People that come to our table tennis group get so many benefits from being here. There are the physical benefits of being active, and the benefits to their mental health of friendship and laughter. There’s evidence to suggest the more active you are, it can slow down the progression of dementia. The impact of the sessions stretches beyond the individuals with dementia themselves. Lesley explained: “Everybody that comes that has dementia is accompanied by somebody that doesn’t have dementia, and that’s become a support group amongst themselves. It’s really nice to see the husbands and wives forming friendships, having a cuppa together and being able to have a little bit of respite while our volunteers and staff and the people with dementia play together. We just have rallies; we don’t score, to keep it simple because otherwise it would get too complicated and confuse people." IMPROVING HEALTH Helping people live healthier, happier lives Table tennis - spreading a bit of happiness The Dignity in Dementia table tennis group
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