Thorpey’s Bat & Chat

Free weekly cricket and wellbeing sessions in partnership with Hornchurch Cricket Club

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Bat and Chat is the best 2 hours of the week. It helps you forget your problems and worries for that time, and you learn skills to go back out into the world and tackle things.

A relaxed space to play cricket, connect with others and support your mental wellbeing.

The programme honours the late cricket legend Graham Thorpe, who died in August 2024 after experiencing anxiety and depression for several years. Thorpey’s Bat & Chat aims to continue important conversations around mental health while creating welcoming spaces for people to connect, move and support their wellbeing.

About The Programme

Thorpey’s Bat & Chat is a free 12- week programme that combines cricket sessions with practical tips and tools to support your mental wellbeing. Whether you’re new to cricket or a seasoned player, you’re welcome to join a group of like-minded people in a supportive and friendly environment. The programme is designed to help people stay active, connect with others, and take positive steps towards improving mental wellbeing through sport and conversation.

Who Can Join?

This programme is open to:

Adults (18+) of all cricket abilities

People looking to improve their wellbeing

Anyone wanting to meet new people and be part of a supportive group

No previous cricket experience is required

Each weekly session includes:

  • Practical Cricket Session, take part in relaxed, inclusive cricket activities suitable for all abilities (approximately 45 mins)
  • Wellbeing Discussion, after the cricket session, we’ll come together for a group wellbeing activity, sharing tips, tools and experiences that support positive mental health (approximately 45 mins)

Delivered in partnership with Hornchurch Cricket Club and Mind, and originally developed by Burton and District Mind, Bat & Chat is a 12-week programme that combines relaxed cricket activity with guided wellbeing discussions and practical tools to support mental health.

No cricket experience is needed. The sessions are informal, supportive and open to everyone.

When Is It?

Every Thursday

Start date: Thursday 14th May
End date: Thursday 30th July

Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm (meet at Hornchurch Cricket Club Pavilion)

Hornchurch Cricket Club  

Harrow Lodge Pavilion
Hornchurch
RM11 1 JU 

Everyone Active

Hornchurch road
Hornchurch
RM11 1 JU

Awards