Avenues: Charity golf day set to double last year’s target

Friday, 30, May 2008 12:00

Avenues, the social care charity supporting people with complex needs, is holding its second annual golf day to raise money for its Sports and Active Lifestyles projects at Kings Hill Golf Club, West Malling, Kent on Wednesday 4th June.

The day, which raised over £1350 for the charity last year, is already set to double this target this year. On top of this, free golf lessons for people supported by Avenues will be given by golf pros from the golf club, paid for by Barclays Bank.

Steve James, chief executive, said, “Avenues supports over 250 people in Kent, many with complex needs that makes it harder for them to enjoy sport. We are always looking at ways to encourage people to be more active. Money raised from last year’s golf day was spent on dance and badminton sessions, which have been run for people in Kent and Surrey, as well as a sports toolkit for staff aimed at helping them offer support to people taking part in sport.

“We hope we will be able to offer even more opportunities to people over the coming year, thanks to the generous support of players at this year’s event.”

There will be over 60 people playing on the day, with various awards to be won as well as a raffle, with prizes donated by Avenues’ suppliers and supporters.

Ends.

• Over 80% of adults with learning disabilities engage in levels of physical activity below the minimum recommended by the Department of Health, a much lower level of physical activity than the general population (53%-64%) - Messent et al, 1998

• Exercise may help alleviate some of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, may be an effective coping strategy for symptoms such as hallucinations and may also help to improve quality of life for people with mental health problems -Faulkner & Biddle, 1999

For further information and photos please contact:

Sue Lea, Communications Coordinator

Tel: 020 8308 2925, Email: susan.lea@theavenuestrust.co.uk

Notes To Editors

Avenues is a not-for-profit organisation that provides support to people with complex needs, including learning disabilities, physical disabilities, autism and mental health problems. Our individualised support enables people to meet their needs and express their hopes and aspirations.

We have over 800 staff supporting over 800 people every year, either in their own homes or in registered group homes. For more information about Avenues, visit: www.theavenuestrust.co.uk

Registered charity number: 1076576