LEAP Into Action: Table Tennis, Trust, and Trying New Things
- The Good Company People
- Jun 5
- 2 min read
Good Company is shaped by the voices of the people it serves. Our monthly LEAP Panel (Lived Experience Advisory Panel) plays a vital role in making sure our services stay relevant, responsive and rooted in real life.
At our most recent session, the group explored what support could look like beyond our Clubs. A clear theme emerged: the need for connection, the desire to maintain friendships, and the joy of continuing hobbies in everyday spaces. From that conversation came a brilliant new idea and the energy to make it happen.
Table Tennis Fridays: A member led pilot
LEAP members Liz and Patrick stepped up to pilot a new Table Tennis group at the local Leisure Centre, running every Friday at 1pm. It is already proving a hit. As they put it, “a good time was had by all, and lots of laughter!”
What we have learned so far:
Singles games are safest. Doubles can be tricky for some
A younger volunteer would be helpful for ball retrieval (any takers?)
Each attendee contributes £5 but a funding plan is needed to keep it going
Everyone comes with a companion for safety and support
Six more people have already asked to join
This is co-design in action. An idea sparked at LEAP, tested by members, and now growing with the support of our community.
Making space for real life
That same spirit ran through the rest of the session. Panel members gave frank and thoughtful feedback on a draft of our new Community Standards. Their verdict? “Too Girl Guide,” “a bit much,” and “not very us.” Within five minutes, the group had rewritten it into something simpler, warmer and more authentic. It now feels like something people will actually want to read and more importantly, something that reflects who we are.
We also heard from Anne Marie, who shared a moving innovation: a short video message recorded for her husband. When she is out and he is feeling unsettled, his carer can play the clip. It is a simple tool that brings calm, connection and reassurance. It is another example of how lived experience leads to real, human solutions.
What is LEAP?
LEAP is a standing advisory panel made up of Good Company members, carers and people living with dementia. Together, they help shape our services, advise on strategy, and develop new ideas that reflect the lives people are actually living. It is one of the many ways we make sure real voices lead the way.
From laughter at the leisure centre to conversations that shift the system, LEAP continues to remind us what is possible when people feel heard, supported and included.
