What is Thorpey's Bat & Chat?
Thorpey’s Bat & Chat is a 12‑week programme designed to support and improve your mental wellbeing. You'll be playing cricket and having supportive group conversations with local people.
It’s for anyone who wants to improve their mental wellbeing by playing cricket in a supportive and friendly group. It's open to everyone, and no previous cricket experience is needed.
Thorpey's legacy
Graham Thorpe MBE, known to many as Thorpey, was one of England’s most gifted lefthanded cricket batters. He was respected for his calm resilience, technical skill and ability to perform when it mattered most.
A Day for Thorpey was an event held in partnership between Mind and Surrey County Cricket Club during the England versus India Test match on 1 August 2025. It brought people together to raise funds for Mind and remember Graham on what would’ve been his 56th birthday.
The funds raised have enabled 10 local Minds to deliver Thorpey’s Bat & Chat.
Both Day for Thorpey and Thorpey’s Bat & Chat stand as heartfelt efforts to honour Graham’s memory, and help break down stigma around mental health.
You can find a Bat & Chat being run by:
The Bat & Chat cricket programme was first developed by Burton & District Mind in 2023.
They’ve run this programme over several years with thanks to funding from Mind, Sport England and more.
Now, more locals Minds can offer it.
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.
If you would like more information, speak to your local Mind or get in touch with us.
