Ping in the Community

Our insight has shown that 89% of people introduced to social ping pong report an improvement in well-being, and 75% become more active. There’s mental health benefits too, with as little as 10 minutes of activity improving mental well-being. Table tennis can help reduce the risk of depression, reduce stress and anxiety and improve self-esteem and cognitive function.

Table tennis can improve hand-eye co-ordination and develop mental agility. It’s a fun and engaging way to get active that engages different parts of the brain simultaneously, increasing cognitive awareness and function. With 6.4 million people over the age of 55 currently inactive, table tennis is a perfect activity to introduce to those wishing to get active and stay that way!

We know that table tennis improved mental well-being, cognitive function and can build confidence and self-esteem. It’s an adaptable activity for all capabilities and limitations, so people with a disability don’t have to be left out! Table tennis doesn’t require a change of clothing and can be delivered in flexible short bouts. We know that 1 in 5 people in England have an impairment, and 70% of those want to be more active – what better way to do so than ping pong?!

Young people like the idea of a challenge, particularly one they can do with friends, but it needs to be enjoyable. They don’t’ want to worry about being good at an activity, this is where social table tennis is a perfect fit! With many pressures in young people’s lives, table tennis can help them enjoy a social activity in a relaxed, informal setting. By creating an enjoyable experience for young people, we can increase their confidence and self-esteem and ensure that they continue to keep fit and healthy throughout their lives!

Research shows that the overall participation rate in sport for ethnic minority groups is 6% lower than the national average. Social table tennis has a proven record of connecting people and building communities and engaging hard to reach groups in physical activity.

We know that 2 million fewer women than men regularly take part in sport and physical activity and that lots of them really want to get more active. Practical and emotional barriers prevent them from taking part, such as lack of time, low confidence, cost and cultural factors, that’s why women’s only sessions are a great way to engage them in a safe, appropriate environment. Social table tennis can help overcome barriers that women and girls face, with female only sessions being a great way to take away the fear of judgement, work around cultural beliefs and build confidence.

Regular physical activity can treat and prevent mental illness, including reducing the risk of depression, reducing stress and anxiety and improving self-esteem. Table tennis is a great activity to improve mental health, whilst also acting as a platform for people to get together and talk about any problems they are facing, making it a fantastic peer support activity.