Winchester charity golf day nets £1,250 for adults with learning disabilities

Corhampton Golf Club became the unlikely engine of change last Saturday when a charity golf day organized by Nick Lowe and his wife Jo raised £1,250 for adults with learning disabilities in Winchester. The event, designed around five "Closest to the Pin" challenges, drew 38 participants and attracted sponsorships from six local businesses, including Sydenhams and Kyoto Kitchen. Proceeds will directly fund Winchester Go LD’s life skills workshops, social outings, and housing advocacy services.

Ben Hogbin, CEO of Winchester Go LD, called the funds "a lifeline" for the charity’s programs, which serve 142 adults weekly. "These donations enable us to keep our doors open and our activities running without charge," Hogbin said. The charity, established in 2014, operates entirely on public donations and grant funding, with no core government support. Its core mission is to combat isolation among adults with learning disabilities through structured group activities and one-on-one mentoring.

Attendees at the event ranged from seasoned golfers to first-time players, all united by a shared commitment to the charity’s cause. Among the highlights was a silent auction featuring signed sports memorabilia and dining vouchers. Sydenhams, a Winchester-based timber merchant, donated £200 worth of prizes, while Kyoto Kitchen contributed a £100 meal voucher. The event’s success has already sparked discussions about expanding it into an annual fixture, with organizers eyeing a 20% increase in participation next year.

Winchester Go LD’s work extends beyond fundraising. The charity runs weekly confidence-building sessions at the Westgate Hall, where adults with learning disabilities learn budgeting, cooking, and public transport navigation. Last month alone, 87 individuals attended these sessions, and 23 secured new social connections through the charity’s peer-mentoring program. "The need is growing," Hogbin said. "Our waiting list for advocacy support has doubled in the past year."

Despite its modest size, Winchester Go LD has become a cornerstone of inclusion in Winchester. Its annual report reveals that 92% of participants report reduced feelings of isolation after six months of involvement. The charity also collaborates with Hampshire County Council to provide training for care workers on disability awareness. Looking ahead, Hogbin is exploring partnerships with local schools to introduce inclusive sports programs. "We’re not just raising money," he said. "We’re building a community where everyone belongs."

The golf day’s success underscores the power of grassroots fundraising in a region where public funding for disability services remains inconsistent. Hampshire’s local authorities have cut £1.8 million from adult social care budgets since 2022, leaving charities like Winchester Go LD to fill critical gaps. "People see a charity golf day and think it’s just fun," Hogbin said. "But behind every swing is a life-changing opportunity for someone who’s often forgotten."