Trafford residents are being offered free golf lessons from this month onwards as part of a new pilot programme to support mental wellbeing.
The initiative, called mentalitee, offers small group coaching at Altrincham Golf Course and Driving Range, giving people the chance to try a new activity in a relaxed environment, get gently active and build confidence at their own pace.
Developed by local golfer Owen Coombes, the programme is supported by Trafford Council, Trafford Leisure and partners, as part of wider work to help residents stay active and well.
Owen experienced anxiety and depression from an early age, only fully recognising it in adulthood. After a particularly difficult period in 2023, he realised that spending time at the driving range supported his recovery. A regular golfer since childhood, Owen found that simply hitting golf balls in a calm, outdoor setting had a positive effect on his mental wellbeing, and he began to see how the same approach could help others.
This led to the creation of mentalitee, a not-for-profit company designed to give people a simple, accessible way to experience those benefits for themselves.
The programme has already been tested on a small scale locally, with this next phase focused on reaching more residents and understanding how it can be delivered more widely.
Lessons are given in small groups of up to four people, with support from a qualified instructor, and participants have their own space so there is no pressure to interact if they would rather focus on the activity itself. Alongside these initial sessions, participants can access subsidised follow-up visits to help them continue, as well as simple online guidance to build confidence.
Owen said:
“mentalitee isn’t about turning people into golf club members - it’s about giving them something simple and supportive they can come back to. The sessions are designed to feel easy to try, especially for people who might not see themselves as ‘sporty’ or want to join a group.
“It’s about getting outdoors, doing something simple and taking a bit of time for yourself. It can also open the door to doing more or connecting with others, if and when people feel ready. If that helps someone feel a little bit better, that’s what matters. And if, in time, participants do want to take their interest in golf further, mentalitee supports them on that journey.”
Cllr Eve Parker, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage said:
“Supporting residents to live healthy and independent lives is a key priority for Trafford, and initiatives like mentalitee show how physical activity can play a meaningful role in wellbeing.
“What is especially positive about this programme is its focus on accessibility - creating opportunities for people who might not usually take part in golf to get active in a way that feels manageable and welcoming. We are pleased to support this pilot as part of our wider work with partners to help people move more and stay well.”
The pilot supports Trafford’s aim of healthy and independent lives for everyone, working with local partners and social prescribing networks to help reach people who may benefit most.
You can register your interest in taking part in mentalitee and find out more about upcoming sessions online.