🎙️ From Placement to Purpose: Students Shaping OT’s Future

In this inspiring episode, host Anthony Blackburn, founder of Golf in Society, sits down with three remarkable Occupational Therapy students — Charlotte, Mell, and Sam — currently on placement with the Golf in Society team.

Together, they explore the evolving role of Occupational Therapy in modern society, the power of meaningful occupation, and how Golf in Society is redefining therapeutic spaces by bringing OT onto the golf course. From improving quality of life for older adults to promoting social inclusion and mental wellbeing, this conversation highlights how innovative placements like this are shaping the next generation of OTs.

Tune in to hear personal insights, professional reflections, and bold ideas about where the future of Occupational Therapy is headed — and how golf is helping drive that change.

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In this episode of Golf in Society, we’re joined by Aston Ward – Chief Operations Officer at the Confederation of Professional Golf and Communications Lead for the Golf & Health project. Together, we explore the powerful relationship between golf and health, and why this timeless sport is uniquely positioned to support physical, mental, and social wellbeing for people of all ages and abilities.

Aston shares insights from global research, initiatives driving change, and how golf can play a key role in healthier communities. Whether you’re a lifelong player or new to the game, this conversation will reshape how you think about the impact of golf beyond the fairways.

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In Episode 13 of the Golf in Society podcast, we sit down with Anthony Etchells, a passionate advocate for using golf to inspire and engage young minds. Since volunteering with Golf in Society in 2018, Anthony has been on a mission to make the sport more accessible and fun for all. Now, he’s taking that mission to the next level with Swing Stars, a new venture aimed at bringing the joy of golf to primary school children across the North East of England.

With funding support from UnLtd and Sport England, Swing Stars is more than just golf lessons—it’s about building confidence, teamwork, and lifelong skills in kids, one swing at a time. In this episode, Anthony shares his journey, the challenges and triumphs of setting up Swing Stars, and his vision for the future of golf in schools. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or golf enthusiast, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical insights into how sport can shape young lives.

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In this powerful episode of the Golf in Society podcast, founder Anthony Blackburn is joined by two inspiring guests: Steve Phillip, founder of The Jordan Legacy, a suicide prevention charity created in memory of his son Jordan, and Matthew O'Sullivan, Health and Wellbeing Development Officer for Active North Yorkshire. Together, they dive deep into the critical issues of mental health and suicide prevention, exploring how golf and being active serves as a transformative tool for enhancing mental wellbeing and building supportive communities. This candid discussion highlights golf's unique impact on society and its role in fostering hope and connection.

The episode also calls for General Practitioners (GPs) and healthcare professionals to embrace social prescribing, recommending golf and similar community-based solutions to patients as a powerful pathway to improved mental health. Don’t miss this heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation that could inspire change in how we approach wellbeing.

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In this episode, we’re joined by Su and Youn, founders of Dementality, as they share their personal journey and inspiration behind launching their organization. Listen in as they discuss how Dementality empowers individuals with dementia to enjoy life and maintain their independence. They’ll also dive into their upcoming collaboration with Golf in Society, and how together we’re bringing dementia-friendly golf to Switzerland, promoting a healthy, happy future for those living with dementia. Don't miss this heartwarming and insightful conversation!

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In this episode, host Anthony Blackburn sits down with Julie Walker, founder of Women on the Tee, to explore the evolving landscape of women in golf. The conversation dives into the challenges women face in discovering and accessing the game, particularly when family responsibilities like caregiving come into play. Julie shares her thoughts on the current barriers to entry and how the golf industry can reimagine its communication and inclusivity to welcome new players from all walks of life.

With a focus on how golf clubs and governing bodies need to modernize their approach, Julie offers insights on the Healthy Aging market and how golf can support women facing challenges such as loneliness, dementia, and caregiving. The discussion is a call to action for the sport to embrace a more welcoming, values-driven environment for all.

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In this episode, Anthony sits down with three passionate guests to explore the vital topic of healthy ageing in residential care homes. Sharon Lewis, Activity Coordinator at Hazel Grove Care Home; Samantha McCormick, Activity Coordinator at The Gables Care Home Hill Care; and Jules, Activity Support from the Hill Care Group, share their insights and experiences recorded at Hazel Grove Care Home in Saltburn.

They discuss the joy and inclusivity of golf sessions for residents, emphasizing that everyone can participate, regardless of mobility or cognitive issues. The conversation highlights Hill Care's dedication to keeping residents happy and active, supporting the idea that "care homes are God's living room."

Discover how meaningful activities boost wellbeing, build confidence, and help residents find purpose and meaning in their lives. This episode offers a heartwarming and informative look at the creative ways care homes enhance the lives of their residents, fostering a vibrant and supportive community. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on the power of engagement and the positive impact of thoughtful care.

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Why Golf is a Perfect Tonic for Healthy Ageing

We know how beneficial sports can be for kids and young adults, but what about for seniors and people with health issues? Research (and anecdotal evidence) is showing the remarkable benefits of participating in sports later in life.

Today, Anthony Blackburn is joined by Dr. Charlie Foster OBE, a Professor of Physical Activity and Public Health at University of Oxford and University of Bristol, as well as the Head of Population Health at Vhi. For several years, Dr. Foster has been researching the benefits of physical activity and the cost of inactivity for both individuals and global public health.

Tune in to Episode 8 of The Golf in Society Podcast to learn how sports, and particularly golf, are helping to solve the inactivity crisis and give ageing populations a new lease on life. Together, Anthony and Dr. Foster shine light on what can truly be achieved when we create the space, accessibility, and community for physical activity.

You’ll learn how golf improves cognitive and mental health, social health, and overall quality of life. Dr. Foster also talks about how we can overcome the barriers to physical activity we might encounter later in life, like disease or lack of community.

Plus, Dr. Foster highlights an easy tip for improving your neuroplasticity while improving your golf skills. Then, Anthony gives insight into the next phase of our latest research project on reimagining golf clubs as health hubs.

“Being active, it doesn’t matter whether you’re digging in your garden or putting on a putting green, everything you do will improve the quality of your life.” – Dr. Charlie Foster

Episode Timeline:

00:06 – Introducing Dr. Charlie Foster

03:12 – The inactivity crisis & Statistics on the cost of inactivity

05:36 – The health benefits of sports like golf

07:29 – Golf and brain health

14:39 – How golf supports people through life transitions and health issues

19:49 – Our latest research project: Reimagining golf clubs as health clubs

24:13 – How to stay active as you age, even through health issues

29:55 – Barriers to growing Golf in Society

37:56 – The future of healthy ageing: How where we live impacts our health.

41:45 – Can Golf in Society serve people with multiple morbidities?

46:59 – Tips for health professionals, policymakers, & innovators working for aging populations.

“You can’t bank your fitness. You have to go and use it every day or you lose it.”

– Dr. Charlie Foster

Thank you for listening to The Golf in Society Podcast!
Want to learn more about our social mission?
Visit our website www.golfinsociety.com

Resources Mentioned:

UKRI’s Healthy Ageing Conference

Connect With Us:

Charlie Foster on LinkedIn

Anthony Blackburn on LinkedIn

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Thank you for listening to our Podcast!
Would you like to Learn more about our social mission?
Visit our website www.golfinsociety.com

Stay up to date with our latest news by following us on social media.
Linkedin @Golf in Society
Facebook @wearegolfinsociety
Twitter @GolfInSociety