Wrexham Wellbeing Project Making a Positive Impact Across the Community
The Wrexham Wellbeing Project is already demonstrating the positive impact that tennis can have on physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection across the local community.
Supported through funding from Tennis Wales and LTA Open Court, the project aims to provide accessible opportunities for people who may not traditionally engage with tennis, using the sport as a vehicle to improve wellbeing, reduce social isolation and encourage lifelong physical activity.
One of the project's key initiatives has been the introduction of Walking Tennis at Wrexham Tennis & Padel Centre. Designed to be slower paced and more accessible, Walking Tennis provides an enjoyable way for people of all abilities to stay active, build confidence and connect with others in a supportive environment.
The programme has made an encouraging start, with 13 participants attending the first session and 11 returning for the second session despite taking place during the summer holiday period. The strong retention rate suggests participants are already finding significant value in the activity, both on and off the court.
The impact has already been evident. One participant, who had not picked up a tennis racket for more than 60 years, left the session reinvigorated after rediscovering the sport and enjoying the welcoming atmosphere created by the group.
A key ingredient in the programme's success has been the social element created by Wrexham Tennis & Padel Centre. Following each session, participants are invited to stay for a complimentary hot drink, giving them an opportunity to chat, make new connections and develop friendships. For many participants, this social interaction is just as important as the physical activity itself, helping to reduce loneliness and create a sense of belonging.
The sessions have also generated wider interest within the venue. Members of the public visiting the centre have regularly stopped to ask what was happening on court, intrigued by the activity and keen to learn more about Walking Tennis and how they could get involved themselves.
Alongside the Walking Tennis sessions, the Wrexham Wellbeing Project has also been delivering adapted tennis activities at Stansty House Care Home. More than 30 residents have taken part so far, many of whom would not ordinarily have access to tennis opportunities. Sessions have been adapted to ensure residents of varying mobility levels can participate, enjoy social interaction and experience the benefits of movement through tennis-based activities.
The project has been developed in partnership with Inclusive Rackets, with Director and Head Coach Mike Herd supporting the design, marketing and delivery of the programme. As part of the project's long term sustainability, Mike has also been training Wrexham Tennis & Padel Centre coaches to deliver Walking Tennis sessions and adapted tennis activities within care home settings, helping to ensure the programme can continue to grow and reach more people across the community.
Mike Herd said:
"It's been fantastic to work with Wrexham Tennis & Padel Centre and Tennis Wales to establish the Wrexham Wellbeing Project. To have already engaged more than 40 people through Walking Tennis and care home sessions in just a few weeks is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates the demand for these types of opportunities.
Erin Oakley and the team at Wrexham Tennis & Padel Centre are passionate about expanding the programme further, delivering additional sessions and ensuring even more people across the community can benefit from the physical, mental and social wellbeing opportunities that tennis provides."
A key objective of the Wrexham Wellbeing Project is to create sustainable pathways into regular activity. Participants attending Walking Tennis sessions are being encouraged to continue their involvement through ongoing programmes at Wrexham Tennis & Padel Centre, helping to ensure the physical, mental and social benefits continue long after the initial project delivery.
With strong early attendance, encouraging retention rates and positive feedback from participants, the centre is already exploring opportunities to expand its wellbeing offer and introduce additional sessions in the future. By combining accessible physical activity, social interaction and community engagement, the project is creating a model that has the potential to reach many more people across Wrexham.
Although still in its early stages, the Wrexham Wellbeing Project is already demonstrating how tennis can be used as a tool to improve wellbeing, reduce social isolation and create stronger community connections. With growing interest from participants, residents and visitors to the centre, the project is providing an excellent example of how tennis can support healthier, happier and more connected communities across Wales.