Prehabilitation, physical, mental and social stimulation for people waiting for hip and knee replacement operation combined with respite for carers in a single intervention

We have developed a unique model that delivers distinct programmes for specific cohorts of older people including those awaiting elective hip and knee replacements, rehabilitation following surgery and patients with Dementia; Parkinson's; Alzheimer's; Loneliness, and; Depression. Golf in Society CIC is driving a fast-growing social movement. We are introducing the social, health and wellbeing benefits of golf to our ageing population.

Golf in Society offers those awaiting surgery with prehabilitation which has been shown to assist in regaining some muscle strength and functional fitness before surgery. It can also help patients with long waiting times prepare physically and mentally for the surgery and can also support rehabilitation post-operatively.

Our piloted, proven model simultaneously supports older people and their carers, with Carer Wellbeing Events complementing our 'Discover Golf' (Taster) and 'Get into Golf' programmes. We have a direct social return on investment of £16.46.

Older people waiting for knee and hip replacements enjoy moderate exercise, discover

a renewed sense of purpose, enjoy the beautiful outdoors and meet new people. They discover how their local golf club can become an integral part of a happier, healthier life. Benefits include (1) Improved mental wellbeing (90.4% of carers believe Golf in Society has improved overall Quality of Life for the person they care for and 95.2% improvement in their feelings of loneliness / isolation (95.2%) , (2) Improved physical wellbeing (72.7% are physically stronger and 63.3% improvement in physical health)

Our core values are: Dignity; Respect; Compassion, and; Togetherness and beneficiaries co-design all of our services. For example, the times, duration and days of the week are arranged to suit each individual and no prior golfing experience is necessary.

Trained golf coordinators (many with lived experience of an age-related health condition) deliver person-centred sessions, which make our golfers feel special. Supported golf sessions then become part of their weekly routine and something exciting to look forward to. This also gives their carers the chance to plan their lives, knowing they can rely on us for a regular respite break. Our impact on Carers -  71.4% feel more physically active, 95.4% improved their mental Wellbeing and 81.8% improved relationships

We offer significant innovation. No capital investment is needed to create healthy, active places. Instead, we utilise existing golf clubs to serve as purpose-built infrastructure. Our model is well defined, unique and proven to be both effective and scalable. It is innovative and has Intellectual Property that is protected. We also have an integral 'Blueprint for Growth' that has proven effective for establishing new venues.