Orton community centre serves up new table tennis sessions for mums

By Darren Calpin
Published 25th Jan 2023, 18:02 BST
Updated 25th Jan 2023, 18:02 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
Organisers hope new initiative will provide health and social benefits to female child carers

A new health and social initiative aimed at encouraging mums to play table tennis has been rolled-out in Peterborough.

Launched by Peterborough Mums UK on Friday (January 20), the Table Tennis for Mums sessions aim to provide health and social benefits for female parents, grandparents and carers.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Community Leader Faustina Yang was keen to emphasise the importance of self-care for women in childcare roles:

Launched by Peterborough Mums UK, the Table Tennis for Mums sessions aim to provide health and social benefits for female parents, grandparents and carers.Launched by Peterborough Mums UK, the Table Tennis for Mums sessions aim to provide health and social benefits for female parents, grandparents and carers.
Launched by Peterborough Mums UK, the Table Tennis for Mums sessions aim to provide health and social benefits for female parents, grandparents and carers.

“We as mothers… it is important that we look after ourselves,” she said. “We have a lot on our shoulders.”

Ms Yang also outlined the benefits of coming along to the sessions: “Come here for a bit of me time; a little exercise, or chat to others and make friends,” she said. “We would love to see you.”

The Orton-based sessions will be delivered by volunteers, all of whom will receive training from Table Tennis England (TTE). TTE is also providing the funding as part of its ‘Level The Table’ scheme.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The first session was well attended, with mums, grandmothers and nannies rubbing shoulders with local dignitaries and England coaches.

The Mayor of Peterborough, Councillor Alan Dowson described the initiative as “a great achievement from Peterborough Mums UK,” adding “It is so important that mothers get support and this health initiative will really benefit them.”The Mayor of Peterborough, Councillor Alan Dowson described the initiative as “a great achievement from Peterborough Mums UK,” adding “It is so important that mothers get support and this health initiative will really benefit them.”
The Mayor of Peterborough, Councillor Alan Dowson described the initiative as “a great achievement from Peterborough Mums UK,” adding “It is so important that mothers get support and this health initiative will really benefit them.”

The Mayor of Peterborough, Cllr Alan Dowson came down to deliver an opening speech and enjoy a game or two. Certified TTE Coach Peter Hau, who came with his own group of volunteers, was on hand to pass on some expert tuition. John Machattie, from Peterborough City Council’s Think Communities, also came down to offer his support and play a few rallies.

Cllr Dowson described the initiative as “a great achievement from Peterborough Mums UK,” adding, “It is so important that mothers get support and this health initiative will really benefit them.”

Peterborough Mums UK is a voluntary community organisation which currently supports more than 5,800 local mums. It welcomes all mums, mums-to-be, and nannies from Peterborough. The organisation was founded in 2013, with a clear remit to provide mums with connections and support following the closure of six children’s centres in Peterborough.

Anyone interested in attending the sessions is encouraged to come along to the Goldhay Centre any Friday between 10am-12pm.

Related topics:Peterborough