New research aims to discover how golf can tackle the impact of ageing and dementia
I am confident that this latest research programme with Golf in Society will add to the evidence we have already collated , further strengthening the case for more physical activity-based , community preventative health initiatives to help alleviate the pressures on the NHS and drive a healthier , happier and more prosperous society .”
Above : Participants enjoying an inclusive golf session , as part of the initiative
Sport for Confidence has teamed up with Golf in Society to deliver a research project exploring how golfing interventions can improve health and strength in those who are frail and living with dementia .
The project is being delivered courtesy of a funding grant provided through the UK Research and Innovations ’ ( UKRI ) Scaling Social Ventures competition , designed to support social enterprises in developing products and services that tackle the impact of ageing .
Golf in Society is on a mission to transform the lives of our ageing population by reimagining and repurposing golf clubs as community-based outpatient clinics . The social enterprise is currently running inclusive golf sessions at six venues focused on improving the mental , physical and social health of participants , while also providing much needed respite to carers and supporters .
Using a unique Direct Social Value method , Golf in Society has evidenced that , for every £ 1 invested , the programme delivers a return of £ 16.46 in social value .
Anthony Blackburn , Founder of Golf in Society , says : ‘ This funding will enable us to run a research programme measuring the positive impact golf can have , when applied as a therapeutic tool , on those who are frail and living with dementia .
‘ To design and deliver the programme we have teamed up with Sport for Confidence . Our research programme will evaluate the impact of prescribed and administered physical activity on strength , life satisfaction , self-esteem and confidence , as well as the added value this programme delivers to carers and supporters , in terms of enabling respite .’
The 12-week research programme will begin in the summer and will take place at two existing Golf in Society venues , Hillsborough Golf Club and Rotherham Golf Club . Each programme will cater for 10 individuals referred through local NHS services .
Sessions will be delivered by a Golf in Society coach , working alongside a Sport for Confidence occupational therapist and physiotherapist . Every session will be tailored to the individual needs of participants and success will be measured through a series of participant surveys and health assessments designed by research partners the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre ( AWRC ) and Sport Industry Research Centre ( SIRC ).
Speaking about the partnership , Liz Fletcher , National Team Lead at Sport for Confidence , said : ‘ There are some great synergies between Sport For Confidence and Golf in Society . At Sport for Confidence , we are already evidencing the positive impact of moving treatment from a clinical to a community environment and placing physical activity at the heart of therapeutic practice .
‘ I am confident that this latest research programme with Golf in Society will add to the evidence we have already collated , further strengthening the case for more physical activitybased , community preventative health initiatives to help alleviate the pressures on the NHS and drive a healthier , happier and more prosperous society .’
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8 OTnews June 2023