An ace afternoon: Belong Wigan table tennis sessions

08/02/2017

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Pictured: Belong Wigan Resident, Hila Myler enjoying a game of table tennis.

Residents and Experience Day Customers at Belong Wigan have been displaying their competitive side and honing their table tennis skills, by taking part in table tennis sessions that have been specifically designed for older people living with dementia.
The sport has been found to have numerous positive effects, including: increased cerebral blood flow and improved balance and hand-eye-coordination, which lead to enhanced self-confidence and a reduced number of falls. The social nature of the activity, which can be played in pairs or groups of four, is also thought to boost the overall happiness and well-being of players.
Marie Calderbank, Experience Coordinator at Belong Wigan, said: “Everyone is having a great time learning to play table tennis; they are really enjoying the competitive nature of the activity and we are certain that this initiative will provide numerous benefits, especially for residents living with dementia. We look forward to continuing the lessons in the upcoming weeks!”
The sessions are organised and led across the world by table tennis coach Steve Rowe, who has attended Dementia Friends awareness sessions that provide skills for supporting people living with dementia.
Steve Rowe added: “It has been an absolute pleasure delivering table tennis lessons at Belong Wigan and it’s wonderful to see everyone smiling whilst playing the game. The players’ table tennis skills, hand eye co-ordination and balance is improving each week.”

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