Belgravia Foundation Tees Off a New Chapter in Mental Health Support
Belgravia Foundation Tees Off a New Chapter in Mental Health Support
Belgravia Foundation is proud to announce the upcoming launch of its newest wellbeing initiative, the Take Charge Golf Program at Geelong Golf Club and Yarrambat Golf Course. This marks an exciting expansion of Belgravia Foundation’s successful Take Charge suite, bringing its evidence-based, inclusive approach to mental health into the heart of the golf community.
With 1 in 5 Australians experiencing poor mental health, the need for accessible, community-based support has never been more urgent. The Take Charge Golf Program is designed to meet this need by offering a structured, referral-based pathway into physical activity and social connection, two powerful contributors to improved mental wellbeing.
What makes golf such a compelling fit? It’s more than just a sport. Golf venues offer calming green spaces, gentle movement, and natural opportunities for social interaction, all of which are proven to support mental health. According to Golf Australia, 38% of players say golf has a large or very large contribution to their mental health, while 39% highlight its impact on social connection. As a moderate-intensity activity, golf also helps reduce the risk of over 40 chronic diseases.
The program leverages these unique features to create a safe, welcoming environment where participants can build confidence, reconnect with others, and rediscover joy through movement. Jack Macdonald, National Programs Manager, shares:
“We are so excited to launch the Take Charge Golf Program at our golf venues. The program follows a structured pathway to support participants to get involved in physical activity and form social connections with other golfers at our facilities, both of which have a profound effect on positive mental health.”
Over an eight-week journey, participants referred by a GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist will receive tailored support including:
A personalised induction and tour of the facility
Three group golf clinics led by professional coaches
Full access to the course, driving range, and mini golf
Social meet-ups after each session to foster connection
A final celebratory 9-hole round with a friend
Importantly, the program doesn’t end after eight weeks. Participants are offered continued access through subsidised memberships or multi-round passes, supported by Belgravia Foundation fundraising efforts at each local venue. This ensures that the positive habits and relationships formed during the program can continue to grow sustainably.
The launch at Geelong and Yarrambat is just the beginning. These venues will serve as pilot sites, paving the way for future rollouts across Australia. By embedding the Take Charge model into golf facilities, Belgravia Foundation is creating new opportunities for people living with mental health conditions to engage in meaningful, enjoyable activity, without stigma or barriers.
The preparation to tee off this exciting new chapter, Belgravia Foundation invites the community, partners, and health professionals to stay tuned. The Take Charge Golf Program is more than a new offering, it’s a movement toward a more inclusive, connected, and mentally healthy Australia.