Golf in Society is a social enterprise which aims to improve the lives of the ageing population by introducing them to the health and wellbeing benefits of golf. Anthony Blackburn is the social entrepreneur behind the mission who started Golf in society with his father in mind, who needed some support to continue to enjoy golf. Golf in Society supports those who live with conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and depression. Through playing golf, the enterprise helps people become more active and increases mental stimulation. Additionally, the carers and the families of those living with conditions are also supported.
The biggest challenge for the company since its establishment was accumulating the empirical research to evidence the impacts of Golf in Society.
“As a start-up, it’s really difficult to get afford that type of quality research.”
The AWRC Accelerator Programme was recommended to Anthony by a colleague. Anthony gave a brief to Sheffield Hallam University researchers on what areas he wanted to focus on and “couldn’t be more thrilled” with the results.
Anthony found the evidence from the research report on the impact of Golf in Society to be ‘eye-opening and fantastic to read.’ He did not realise the extent to which Golf in Society supported people who used the services. The immediate impacts are seen during golf sessions, but to receive detailed feedback on paper was meaningful for Anthony. Golf in Society received high recommendation rates from those who use the services. From the findings of the report, it was found that service users were becoming more active and more socially connected. It was also found that Golf in Society has a more positive impact on carers than initially
thought. The research report helped to reaffirm the idea that golf and sport can play a major part in assisting people to live a happier and healthier life for longer.
Anthony said that the access to mentors with industry expertise was the second most significant aspect of the Programme after getting a research project commissioned and produced.
“I would never have been able to afford their professional fees as a start-up without help from the Programme.”
The Accelerator programme gave Anthony the opportunity to utilise industry expertise for advice on business growth strategy. Establishing a network of these venues across the UK and bringing the services to golf clubs is the future of Golf in Society. This year, Golf in Society will expand from three to nine venues. This will result in a wider outreach of support to more families across the UK to live a happier, healthier, and more independent life. Anthony’s long-term plan is to have a network of age friendly golf venues across the UK that are part of local communities.
“We’ve never been busier than we are now in referrals to Golf in Society.”
Since joining the programme, Anthony feels he has a greater understanding of how to approach and collaborate with academic institutions including students and researchers. Anthony is now considering an ongoing research project with Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) and their team of researchers. He is also considering working with the students by involving them in designing new products and services for the enterprise. Furthermore, volunteering opportunities for the students at SHU are being provided by Golf in Society.
