Mind, the mental health charity, launches Thorpey’s Bat and Chat to support people’s mental health through cricket
The legacy of Surrey and England legend Graham Thorpe is continuing with a new programme to support people across the country with their mental health and wellbeing using cricket.
Mind, the mental health charity, has launched Thorpey’s Bat and Chat, funded by donations made by cricket supporters across the country who got behind “A Day for Thorpey” at the Kia Oval during the final Test Match between England and India last summer.
Over £170,000 was raised as the sport rallied together in support of one of the legends of the game, which will support 10 of the Thorpey’s Bat and Chat programmes across the country this year.
Thorpey’s Bat and Chat forms part of a national initiative inspired by the legacy of former England and Surrey cricketer Graham Thorpe, MBE, who took his own life in 2024. It is supported by mental health charity Mind and Surrey County Cricket Club, along with the Thorpe family.
Delivered by local Minds across England, the programme offers local people the chance to come together in a relaxed, supportive environment to enjoy cricket-based activities while having open conversations about mental health.
Thorpey’s Bat and Chat has been made possible thanks to fundraising through “A Day for Thorpey”, a special event held at The Kia Oval on 1 August 2025 that celebrated Graham’s life. Money raised through headband sales and donations has helped local Minds to deliver Thorpey’s Bat and Chat sessions in communities across England and Wales, creating safe spaces where people can get active, connect with others and talk openly about how they’re feeling.
Participants do not need cricket experience to take part, and the sessions are inclusive and welcoming for anyone who may be struggling with their mental health or looking to boost their wellbeing. The sessions are open to everyone aged 18+.
The following local Minds are taking part:
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Barking and Dagenham Mind
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Bath Mind
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Birmingham Mind
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Burton and District Mind
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Havering Mind
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Havant and East Hants Mind
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Mind in Harrogate
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Mind in Surrey
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North Lincolnshire Mind
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South East London Mind
Graham’s wife, Amanda Thorpe said: “We want to celebrate Graham and his memory, as well as remove some of the stigma around mental health, especially for men. Thorpey’s Bat and Chat will help to do just this. I had the chance to visit a Bat and Chat session last summer, and one of the participants told me it was the reason they got out of bed in the morning. That is very powerful, and it shows these sessions can give people the space to talk about their mental health, through an activity they love, and with a supportive group. We are so pleased to see the roll-out of Thorpey’s Bat and Chat sessions around the country and would really encourage you to give it a go if you’re struggling with your mental health.”
Hayley Jarvis, Head of Physical Activity at Mind, said: “Last year’s A Day for Thorpey was an amazing, powerful event which showed the value of bringing people together through sport to talk about mental health.
“Thorpey’s Bat and Chat continues that legacy. The programme honours Graham Thorpe and the courage of his family in sharing his story. We’re absolutely delighted to be a part of it, and thanks to the incredible support shown through A Day for Thorpey, local Minds across the country can deliver these sessions in partnership with the cricket family and help more people find support in their communities.”
Surrey County Cricket Club Chair Oli Slipper said: “It was an honour to host the Day for Thorpey at the India Test Match at The Kia Oval last summer and a fitting way to remember one of the greatest Surrey and England cricketers. We’re incredibly grateful to all the supporters who have raised a phenomenal amount of money for Mind to ensure that Thorpey’s Bat and Chat can be rolled out around the country to support people’s mental health through cricket. Thorpey’s legacy on the pitch is well documented, and we hope that the awareness and funds raised by his family will ensure that his legacy off the pitch matches it.”
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
Thorpey’s Bat and Chat sessions include:
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Gentle cricket activities and games
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Opportunities to meet new people and build connections
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Guided discussions and practical tools to support wellbeing
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A welcoming, supportive environment where people can talk openly about mental health
Originally developed by Burton & District Mind, Bat and Chat has already shown how combining physical activity with social connection can help people build confidence and improve their wellbeing.
