People facing difficulties with their flexibility, mental health, stamina or weight will soon be given the chance to enjoy all of the health benefits of a good round of golf thanks to a pilot scheme taking place in Stowmarket.
The golf taster programme will see GPs from Stow Health and Woolpit Health Centre refer patients who could benefit from gentle exercise for a free session at Stowmarket Golf Centre. As well as use of the nine-hole course and driving range, they’ll be offered free individual coaching and the chance for a half-price follow up priced at just £4.25.
The project, which forms part of the Healthy Ambitions Suffolk initiative, was the brainchild of golf professional Duncan Burl and his wife Paula. After starting special sessions for seniors, ladies, children with difficulties and people with disabilities, they quickly noticed the health benefits which golf could bring – and approached their local surgeries as a result.
“Golf can bring massive benefits to a huge range of people, including those with weight difficulties, problems with their stamina, or those who may have mental health issues,” said Mr Burl, who runs the centre alongside Paula and is donating his time at no cost to the NHS.
“We have asked each GP practice to refer four patients a week so that they can reap the benefits of this great sport. Golf is the ideal way to reintroduce people to exercise as anyone who can walk reasonably well can take part. There’s no pressure and you can take it at your own pace – and can burn up to 400 calories an hour at the same time.
“Its also perfect for people who don’t like the gym as it’s a really enjoyable activity – so often doesn’t feel like exercise at all!”
It is hoped that those taking part in the scheme will enjoy the sessions so much that they begin taking part in the sport regularly. The project is taking place at no cost to the NHS.
“This is a great initiative which aims to get people out and about to exercise and improve their health,” said Dr Richard West, at GP at Woolpit Health Centre.
“It is the sort of exercise which anybody who can walk any distance could do. It will particularly benefit patients with anxiety and depression by helping them to socialise and build confidence. It’s also ideal for people who need to take more exercise, either because they have weight problems or have cardiovascular disease.
“Anything we can do to persuade people to exercise is obviously a good thing as the more people do, the better it is for their health. We’re fully supportive of Duncan and Paula’s efforts and look forward to referring our first patients and hearing their feedback.”
People taking part in the sessions will be asked to complete a short questionnaire about whether they feel they have benefited from the experience. The project will then be assessed to see if it could help people elsewhere in the county.
“This scheme links perfectly with the aims of the Healthy Ambitions Suffolk initiative as it encourages people to try something new which could make a big difference to their long term health,” said Sally Hogg, head of health improvement partnerships at NHS Suffolk.
“It also underlines our mantra that a small change can make a big difference. In addition, it will show that exercise isn’t just about controlling weight but can also boost energy levels and help improve your mental health.
“We will be looking very closely at the results of the initiative to see whether it would be helpful to involve other practices and clubs across Suffolk, should it prove valuable for patients.”
The sessions begin on Monday 29 June and run until October. Anyone who is registered with Stow Health or Woolpit Health Centre and wants to take part should discuss the benefits with their GP or contact Duncan Burl on 01449 736392.
