People living with Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis, as well as those recovering from a stroke, can now take advantage of an expanded programme of free pickleball sessions across North Herts and Stevenage.

Existing sessions in Letchworth and Stevenage have been widened to welcome people with a range of neurological conditions, while a new weekly session is set to launch in Royston in September.

The sessions were originally established for people living with Parkinson's, with North Herts Leisure Centre in Letchworth and Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre hosting free weekly sessions since early 2025.

Following more than a year of positive feedback, the programme has now been rebranded as neurological pickleball and expanded to include people living with multiple sclerosis and those recovering from a stroke.

Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis and is played on a smaller court, providing a relatively gentle form of exercise.

Regular physical activity can help people with neurological conditions maintain movement, coordination and balance, while the social side of the sessions is also considered an important part of the programme.

Participants are offered a free hot drink and biscuits after each session, giving players the opportunity to stay and socialise.

Sessions at North Herts Leisure Centre are led by Murray Allan, Pickleball England's representative for Hertfordshire, who will also run the new Royston sessions. Stevenage sessions are led by Stevenage Pickleball Club.

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Kirsty Jones, Regional Activity and Wellbeing Manager at Everyone Active, said: "We've seen first-hand how much people have benefited from the sessions in Letchworth and Stevenage, both physically and socially, so we're delighted to now welcome people living with multiple sclerosis and those recovering from a stroke.

"The launch of a new session in Royston also means more people will be able to access the programme closer to home, helping even more people stay active, build confidence and connect with others."

The expansion has been supported by a £15,000 Sport England grant, secured with the help of Hertfordshire Sports Partnership's No Limits 2026 campaign.

Sessions at North Herts Leisure Centre take place every Tuesday from 11.30am to 12.30pm, while Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre hosts sessions on Mondays from 10.30am to 11.30am.

The new Royston Leisure Centre sessions will begin on Thursday, September 3, running from 11am until noon.

All sessions are free and open to people living with Parkinson's or multiple sclerosis and those recovering from a stroke.

People living with Parkinson's can also access a free Everyone Active membership, providing wider access to gym facilities, swimming and group exercise classes.