An innovative project run by leisure centres in Barnet, London, is reaching out to care home residents who might be reluctant to participate in physical activity.
Barnet leisure centres are run by charitable social enterprise GLL under its ‘Better’ brand. As part of an innovative new fitness project, residents at Appletree Court Care Home in Burnt Oak have been taking part in an indoor variation of mini golf called ‘Fun Golf’ which uses soft balls and sticky targets. As Fun Golf can be played sitting down, it is ideal for people with limited mobility, such as care home residents.
Barnet’s community sports manager Petrit Krasniqi visited Appletree Court for six weeks, teaching residents how to play Fun Golf with equipment provided by the charity Golf Trust UK. He also showed carers how to run the activity themselves. As the course was a hit with staff and residents alike, Appletree Court will continue to run Fun Golf sessions on a regular basis.
Petrit Krasniqi said: “We provide multiple opportunities for people across Barnet to get involved in physical activity. All the residents at Appletree Court have been brilliant to work with, as have Judith and all the staff there. I look forward to seeing everyone again in the near future.”
Carer Judith commented: “Residents loved this activity. It was always a team effort and everyone could take part, whether standing or wheelchair bound.”
Resident, Ken, aged 94, added: “It brought back memories, being able to play golf again in a safe and comfortable environment. I loved the challenges that Petrit set and I tried to make sure that every Wednesday I didn’t make plans so that I didn’t miss any of the golf sessions.”
