Residents in eight Your Homes Newcastle sheltered housing schemes have received equipment to play ‘Rookie Golf’, thanks to a donation from community regeneration specialists Frank Haslam Milan (FHM).

Rookie Golf is delivered by Newcastle-based Rookie Sports and is designed to engage all ages and abilities, including people with limited mobility and those that do not traditionally take part in physical activities.

YHN is working alongside Community Service Volunteers (CSV) and Quality of Life Partnership to bring people together in activities that can be enjoyed by all and purchased the Rookie Golf equipment following a donation of £3,192 from FHM.

The equipment is designed to allow residents to take control of their own golf sessions, arrange matches and meetings together, get involved with local schools and invite other members of the community to join them.

The first YHN schemes to benefit from the project are Allendale House in Byker, as well as Dr Ryan House, Keebledale House, Eastbourne Court, Margaret Collins House, Milecastle House, Monkchester Green and Welbeck Green, which are all based in Walker. YHN plans to roll this out to other sheltered accommodation homes across the City and residents in the surrounding community are also encouraged to participate.

Alyson Bell, Care Services Manager at YHN, said:

“We are committed to engaging our residents in community activities as this not only helps to improve their health, but also increases their social networks and quality of life, providing them with an opportunity to develop new skills.

“Rookie Golf is a fantastic way of involving people and we are delighted to receive the kind donation from FHM towards this project. Rookie Golf is particularly enjoyable for our residents because anyone can play – wheelchair users and people with limited mobility find that the flexible nature of the programme means they can participate equally.

"The feedback from residents so far has been extremely positive and it is great to see so many of them getting involved, organising games between schemes and interacting with each other. This project is proving to be a great success and we very much look forward to rolling it out across the City.”

Mark Connor Operations Manager from Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) North East said:

“We are delighted to make this donation, which has helped to provide Rookie Golf equipment to local people. This project not only demonstrates our commitment to invest into local communities but also our effective partnership work with Your Homes Newcastle.”

Alma Eagan from Walker plays Rookie Golf each week, she said:

“I really enjoy playing Rookie Golf as it’s a great way of getting involved in the local community. It not only gives me a chance to exercise, but is also a good way of boosting confidence and meeting new people. I really enjoy the sessions and look forward to them.”

The Rookie Golf project is part of the Community Living and Independence Project, which is delivered by YHN in partnership with Newcastle City Council, Newcastle Primary Care Trust and the Quality of Life Partnership.