Ballymena Table Tennis Club donation boosts vital Parkinson’s ‘Bat ‘n’ Chat’ sessions

(L-R) Stephen Baillie, Treasurer, Ballymena Table Tennis Club,  Martin Mann, Vice-Chair of Ballymena Branch of Parkinson’s UK, Winifred McHugh, member of the Ballymena Branch and Bran Shannon, member of Parkinson's Bat ‘n’ Chat in Ballymena.

A community initiative supporting people living with Parkinson’s in Ballymena has received a timely boost, after Ballymena Table Tennis Club donated £480 to help sustain and grow the popular Bat ‘n’ Chat sessions.

The funding will support the Ballymena and District Branch of Parkinson’s UK in continuing weekly sessions that combine gentle physical activity with social connection — an approach that has quickly become a cornerstone of support for many in the local area.

Programme described as a ‘lifeline’ for local participants

Originally launched with the help of a Parkinson’s UK grant, the Bat ‘n’ Chat sessions have grown in popularity, offering a welcoming space where people living with Parkinson’s can stay active while building confidence and friendships.

Jimmy McClean, Chair of the Ballymena and District Branch of Parkinson’s UK, said the donation would have a direct and meaningful impact.

“We are extremely grateful to Ballymena Table Tennis Club for their generous donation which strengthens our Bat ‘n’ Chat programme. It has already become a lifeline for many people living with Parkinson’s. The weekly sessions offer physical activity, social connection, confidence-building, and a welcoming community space.

“We also wish to express our sincere appreciation to the Ulster Table Tennis Association, whose support throughout the year has been instrumental in helping us establish the Parkinson’s Bat ‘n’ Chat initiative in Ballymena. Their encouragement and practical backing has enabled us to get off the ground and we’re delighted to be offering table tennis to people living with Parkinson’s in the area as it’s been proven to have benefits in managing the condition.”

Community effort behind the programme’s growth

The initiative has been shaped by a wider network of support, with organisers highlighting the role of key individuals in helping the programme take root locally.

Martin Mann, Vice-Chair of the branch, said:

“We would also like to acknowledge the support of Norman McBride, whose commitment, guidance, and steady support have played a key role in helping the programme get going and grow over the past year. His contribution has made a meaningful difference to the wellbeing of our local Parkinson’s community.”

The sessions form part of a broader effort to provide accessible, community-based support for those living with Parkinson’s, combining physical activity with opportunities to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing.

Weekly sessions and local support network continue to expand

The Ballymena Parkinson’s Bat ‘n’ Chat sessions take place every Monday at Ballymena North Business Centre on Cushendall Road, running from 11.30am to 1pm.

In addition to the weekly sessions, the Ballymena and District Branch also hosts support group meetings at the same venue on the third Friday of each month, from 3pm to 4.30pm.

Organisers have emphasised that the group is open to anyone affected by Parkinson’s, whether directly or through supporting a loved one, with a focus on creating an inclusive and supportive environment.

Anyone seeking further information about the sessions or the wider support available can contact Jimmy McClean by email at jimmy.mcclean@outlook.com or by phone on 028 2564 8398 or 07826 336698.

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At a glance

• Ballymena Table Tennis Club has donated £480 to support Parkinson’s Bat ‘n’ Chat sessions

• The programme is run by the Ballymena and District Branch of Parkinson’s UK

• Sessions combine physical activity with social connection for people living with Parkinson’s

• Described by organisers as a “lifeline” for participants in the local community

• Weekly sessions take place every Monday, 11.30am–1pm at Ballymena North Business Centre

• Monthly support group meetings are held on the third Friday, 3pm–4.30pm

• Programme supported by the Ulster Table Tennis Association and local volunteers

• Open to anyone affected by Parkinson’s in the Ballymena area

• Contact available via email or phone for further information