In this day and age mental health is more prevalent than ever and encouraging positive dialogue on the topic is vital to everyone at Lowes Park Golf Club.
Over the past few years, the newly elected club Captain is encouraged to nominate a charity organisation to represent them for their tenure as captain.
In the past, charities such as PorchBoxes and Young Minds have been previously highlighted by Captains.
Having raised around £1000 each throughout the year it’s clear that members are responding well to the scheme and providing vital support to these foundations.
The financial support generated through fundraising efforts can significantly impact the operations of these charities.
Whether it’s funding counselling sessions, providing essential resources to those in need, or supporting research and advocacy efforts, every pound raised can make a tangible difference in improving the lives of individuals and families facing challenges.
For this year, Captain Ian Wilkinson has selected Andy’s Man Club as his charity.
Andy’s Man Club has over 190 free support groups nationwide. In these groups, men can open up about the issues affecting their lives in a safe, judgement-free and non-clinical environment.
“There are very few opportunities, especially for men, to be in an environment where they can feel safe enough to open up,” said Wilkinson.
Members of Lowes Park Golf Club supporting charities not only benefits the selected organisations but also has a positive ripple effect on the local community.
By raising funds for charities like Andy’s Man Club, PorchBoxes and Young Minds, the club contributes directly to initiatives that address pressing issues within the community.
Unfortunately there is still an air of taboo about speaking up about personal issues. Wilkinson said, “If the people you’re playing with or their mates start opening up a little bit, you might expect people to have a joke or not take it too seriously, but when it comes down to it, I like to think at this club, people will support each other.”
Part of the reason Wilkinson chose this charity was because “we’ve seen it in the past, everybody knows somebody that’s been in a (difficult) situation and they’ve made a decision where most people would think it’s unbelievable, but it is believable because it happens too many times.”
Lowes Park strives to be the “friendliest club” they can be. Almost 3 years ago now, the board sat down and decided to cement their reputation as a safe, welcoming and judgement-free golf club.
Wilkinson went on to say, “it doesn’t matter how good you are, that’s what handicaps are for, we want people to feel like it is a safe environment.”
“All that to one side, regardless of how hard we try, it’s not really an ‘effort’, we just be the people we want to be”, said Wilkinson. This serves as a testament to the organic friendly and warm environment at the club.
Being in and around the club throughout the day, the notion of community and togetherness is noticeable from the very minute you enter the club.
Engagement of club members in charitable activities fosters into that sense of camaraderie and unity within the community. Coming together to support a common cause strengthens bonds among members, creating a positive social impact that extends beyond the confines of the golf course.
Through these awareness campaigns, members not only give back to the community but also develop a shared sense of purpose and pride in their collective efforts to make a difference.
The club is also constantly looking to unravel the stigmas surrounding mental health and break down common misconceptions about the game of golf. Wilkinson said, “we don’t say ‘you must drive a jaguar’, we don’t have dress codes like others, we don’t do the ‘wear a tie in the clubhouse’ business.
Making the club as accessible as possible is a core value of the club and they “welcome anybody and everybody.”
Lowes Park’s dedication to supporting mental health sets a commendable example for sports communities everywhere.
Through their proactive initiatives, they not only foster a welcoming environment but also encourage open dialogue and support networks, proving that sports clubs can be a powerful platform for promoting mental well-being.
As they continue to advocate for mental health awareness, their efforts serve as a reminder that even on the green, empathy and understanding are par for the course.
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