At the recent Leeds Compassionate City Awards held at Leeds Civic Hall on November 6, a unique table tennis club called ParkyPING! from Kirkstall, designed for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, triumphed as Community Sports Project of the Year.
This innovative club, founded by Rob Cook, masterfully blends therapeutic table tennis with crucial peer support, significantly improving members’ health and dramatically reducing social isolation.
What is the ParkyPING! table tennis club and why was it recognized at the Leeds Compassionate City Awards?
ParkyPING! is a Kirkstall-based table tennis club created for people living with Parkinson’s disease. It won Community Sports Project of the Year for its innovative therapy approach, inclusive coaching, and strong peer support, helping members improve health and reduce isolation.
Community Recognition at the Compassionate City Awards
The annual Compassionate City Awards held in Leeds have become a pivotal highlight in the community calendar, shining a light on the exceptional individuals and groups dedicated to positive change. This year’s ceremony unfolded at the grand Leeds Civic Hall on November 6, gathering a crowd of inspirational nominees, supporters, and civic leaders. The goal of these awards remains steadfast: to honor those whose initiatives strengthen the fabric of neighborhoods and offer direct, valuable impacts for city residents.
The event celebrated achievements across a wide spectrum of community dedication, from sports and health to diversity and environmental efforts. A total of ten distinct awards spanned various categories such as Community Sports Project of the Year, Health and Wellbeing Project of the Year, and the Jo Cox Award, among others. Each accolade serves as public acknowledgment of the time, creativity, and compassion demonstrated by these local champions.
Councillor Mary Harland, the Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, expressed genuine gratitude for the selflessness and diligence seen across the nominees. In her comments, she shared, “As always, these awards demonstrate and celebrate the outstanding work that the people of Leeds do every day for their communities. We are truly grateful for the hard work of these unsung heroes and it’s vital that we continue celebrating them and their efforts in making Leeds the best city to live in.”
Table Tennis Club ParkyPING! Breaks New Ground
Emerging as a standout winner was ParkyPING!, a Kirkstall-based table tennis club designed specifically for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Founded just in 2023, this club secured the award for Community Sports Project of the Year thanks to its innovative and inclusive approach. The ParkyPING! club’s vision originated from Rob Cook, who after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019, rediscovered table tennis as effective therapy. Exercise plays a significant role in managing Parkinson’s symptoms, but table tennis offers additional unique benefits due to its emphasis on hand-eye coordination, balance, and rapid decision-making.
ParkyPING! accommodates individuals of varying abilities, ensuring everyone receives professional coaching and, perhaps just as importantly, peer support. The supportive environment fosters encouragement, understanding, and connectivity amongst members. This aspect is especially important for people living with chronic conditions who may otherwise feel isolated or misunderstood in other settings.
“It’s amazing to win this award and it really means a lot to us. It’s not just about hitting the ball around the table, it’s about growing community and peer support, and helping each other,” commented Rob Cook. “Table tennis is such a brilliant way of helping with Parkinson’s.” His words reflect the dual mission of ParkyPING!: improving health outcomes and cultivating a strong, empathetic network for those affected by the disease.
The Transformative Power of Creative and Inclusive Projects
Another lauded initiative at the Compassionate City Awards was Doodle Chat, which received the Health and Wellbeing Project of the Year honor. Started in 2022 by local artist Ed Thompson, Doodle Chat is a social group centered around art, conversation, and connection. With all materials provided and a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere, the initiative welcomes attendees from every walk of life. Venues across Armley, Harehills, and Hyde Park host regular sessions, reflecting the project’s rapid expansion and broad community appeal.
Participants in Doodle Chat consistently report reductions in social isolation and improvements in overall wellbeing. The project is intentionally designed to break down barriers, encouraging a sense of belonging and creative expression. Through doodling and open conversation, attendees forge new friendships, share life experiences, and discover new avenues for emotional support.
Ed Thompson underlined the wider aims: “We’ve been working really hard the last couple of years to make art and creative wellbeing accessible and available to different communities across Leeds and to anybody that needs a safe space to come, talk, listen and make friends with new people. I’m super happy that that has been recognised with this award.” According to studies cited by creative wellness organizations, activities like community art significantly enhance mental health and foster community ties.
Spotlight on Honorees Leading Positive Change
The full list of winners at the Compassionate City Awards illustrates the rich diversity of ways in which people are making a difference in Leeds. From environmental stewardship to championing diversity and fundraising for local causes, each category represents countless hours of volunteer effort and unwavering passion. This year’s honorees included:
- Jo Cox Award: We Are Seacroft
- Unsung Sporting Hero of the Year: Shaheen Alghofari
- Community Sports Project of the Year: Leeds ParkyPING!
- Health and Wellbeing Project of the Year: Doodle Chat
- Diversity Project of the Year: Conversation Club
- Environmental Achievement of the Year: Mafwa Theatre – Lincoln Greeners Project
- Fundraising Achievement of the Year: The Elliot James Bransby Memorial Shield
- Community Organisation or Project of the Year: LS14 Trust
- Unsung Hero of the Year: Chrissy Thornton
- Special Recognition Award 2025: Kevin Sinfield CBE
Each recipient demonstrates the impact attainable when communities rally behind collective goals. The breadth and scope of these projects underscore the Council’s commitment to supporting a vibrant, engaged city. Further details about these exceptional initiatives are available through the Leeds City Council’s official site.
ParkyPING! and Doodle Chat serve as enduring examples of how specialized support – whether through sport or art – can bring people together, mitigate the challenges of illness or isolation, and build a more compassionate society. The recognition of these projects at the Compassionate City Awards not only honors their success but sets a standard for future grassroots innovation in Leeds and beyond.
- ParkyPING!, a table tennis club for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, won the Community Sports Project of the Year at the Leeds Compassionate City Awards.
- Founded by Rob Cook, ParkyPING! uses therapeutic table tennis combined with peer support to improve members’ health and reduce social isolation.
- The annual Compassionate City Awards in Leeds recognize individuals and groups for their positive contributions to the community across various categories.
- Doodle Chat, an art and conversation social group, received the Health and Wellbeing Project of the Year award for reducing social isolation and improving wellbeing.
- The awards highlight the transformative power of creative and inclusive projects in building a more compassionate society in Leeds.