The event, opened by Patrick Gillard, the Mayor of Woodbridge, gave ten older adults living with dementia the opportunity to play golf, which for many was for the first time in years, while others learnt for the very first time. The group was accompanied by volunteers and experienced instructors from Seckford Golf Club as well Home Instead care professionals, who specialise in looking after people with dementia.
Joanna McCall, general manager of Home Instead Ipswich, said: “It was a wonderful afternoon for clients who have played golf in the past to revisit and reminisce on their past hobby. Equally it’s a great opportunity to learn a new skill for those who haven’t played before; it’s never too late to learn!
“A huge thank you to Wendy Chard our head of community engagement for this wonderful idea and for all her hard work in getting this off the ground. We would also like to thank Seckford Golf Club for the support in making our community more dementia friendly and welcoming people with all experience levels as well as being there to give a helping hand to help get a hole in one! A big thanks also to the Mayor of Woodbridge for coming down and joining in with the day too.”
The dementia friendly golf group meets on the first Wednesday of every month between 2pm-4pm, with the next golf day on the 7th December.
Cathy O’Brien, from the Seckford Foundation, reflected on the day and said: “What a great initiative this is and a fantastic asset for our community. The turn out to the event demonstrated how much demand there is in the area for dementia support, and it was lovely to see so many people there. I look forward to seeing it develop further.”
Ashley Meyer, from Woodbridge Rotarty Club and the Woodbridge Dementia Action Project, commented: “There was a lovely atmosphere, it was lovely to see everyone getting involved. The staff at the Golf Club were most helpful and helped to build up people confidence on the golf course.”
For more information on the dementia friendly golf group, or to book a place free of charge, please call Wendy Chard at Home Instead on 01473 272301. If you would like more information about the golf, call Tony Pennock, from Seckford Golf Club, on 07788 727788.
To find out more about Home Instead Ipswich’s home care services, including personal care, companionship care and home help, please call 01394 617558 or visit https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/ipswich/.
