Physiotherapy Project Golf (PPGolf)

1. Description of the idea

The Project “Stroke against the stroke” offers to disabled people, who survived stroke or any other brain injury, and their partners or relatives the opportunity to learn to play golf. It involves the use of special aids and is under the guidance of a highly trained chartered physiotherapist and golf teacher.

2. Social problem

Disabled people are often segregated by the community at large from being part of the the social life. After becoming disabled they suddenly find themselves helpless and their behaviour and actions passive. They lose their self-esteem and grow lonely.

3. Whom would be the project helpful?

The PPGolf would be helpful for people who survived a stroke (about 120 000 per year) as well as for their partner/relatives/friends. The programme aims at adults and children who, because of an accident or a tumour, are now disabled. The range of those who are to be helped is from those with wheel-chair-needs, over hemiplegia and paraesthesia sufferers, up to visual impairment patients.

4. What should be achieved with the project? (Physical (1) and Psychical (2) benefits)

The aim of the project is at first a therapy for disabled – rehabilitation as well as prevention from further strokes.

Golf improves:

muscle strength,

 promotes the coordination of motion-sequence,

 balance as well as concentration.

Furthermore the sport gives a new and positive attitude to life and renews a lowered or lost self-esteem. Golf makes a positive impact on the psyche. It is sport which trains body, soul and mind alike.

Social impact: Promoting the social integration of disabled people in the community is central pillar of the project as golf is played by people with different handicaps. Thus disabled and non disabled people have more contact and share positive experiences and joys. Inhibitions toward mutual communication will be reduced an social interaction encouraged.

The social environment

1.In what social environment is the project to be set up?

Outside of public funding the project will involve private fees towards practise and play at small public golf courses. The sessions will be mainly led at Metro Golf Centre, Hendon Copthall, London and Hendon Golf Club, Hendon, London. There will be special rates for all project participants.

2.What needs are going to be met?

 Rehabilitation in a normal environment

 Reduction of physical and emotional impairment,

 Promoting the social contact between disabled and non-disabled people. Collective practising brings joy on life and a better attitude towards life.

Main Purpose of the Project: Golf contributes to the improvement of public health including its overall reduction in cost to the public purse.

3.Why is this project outstanding?

Sport will be executed together by both disabled and non-disabled people. It will involve Integration in normal life.

Golf is a leisurely and therapeutic sport which can be practised in daily life for a considerable period, as against short-term therapy. It's effects are beneficial and helpful to life now and the future. The person concerned learns to become active and does not remain passive.

Pilot Project Golf (PPgolf) - Germany

Our partner in Germany

Stroke against the stroke

A unique project in UK for people with strokes and brain injuries who would like to improve their condition and enjoy life.