Warwick golf simulator business helps Derventio Housing Trust residents’ mental health with top hole day out
Homeless residents living in Warwickshire Derventio Housing Trust accommodation received a welcome boost to their mental health thanks to generous staff at a new golf simulator business in Warwick.
A group of residents living in properties provided through Derventio Housing Trust – which accommodates people who would otherwise be homeless – were treated to a day’s play at the driving range at The Warwickshire’s Strike Shack.
Andrew Ambrose, golf operations manager at The Warwickshire, said residents had benefited from the fresh air and exercise and he was keen to do more to help disadvantaged groups.
Derventio Housing Trust provides accommodation to around 1200 people a year who would otherwise be homeless, either through financial hardship or other reasons such as poor mental health or a relationship breakdown.
The organisation works in five UK counties including Warwickshire where it is currently supporting 68 people. As well as providing housing, the trust also helps put people’s lives back on track with a range of projects designed to boost confidence and skills.
The generous Strike Shack team provided golf clubs, range ball and use of its Toptracer driving range system while further support was given through the housing trust’s charitable pot: Sylvester’s Fund, which helps residents with one-off items designed to boost mental health, provide practical help or assist with moving on into independent living.
Penny Wiltshire, funding and development manager at Derventio Housing Trust, said the day had been greatly enjoyed by residents, many of whom experience isolation in their properties especially during the winter months. She said:
Residents living in Derventio Housing Trust properties often lack confidence because of the tough times they have been through and it was brilliant to see them relax and enjoy themselves at Strike Shack. The team was so kind, welcoming and enthusiastic.
There was a lot of laughter, camaraderie and a real sense of achievement and we all enjoyed a feast courtesy of the legendary Buttie Shop on Southway at the end of the day.
It was very powerful to see residents given opportunities beyond their usual surroundings. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who donates to Sylvester’s Fund and the Strike Shack team at the Warwickshire for a really uplifting day out.
Andrew Ambrose from Strike Shack said:
It was great to welcome Derventio Housing Trust residents for the day. It provided some welcome fresh air and exercise which I think we could all use in the winter months. Residents seemed to really enjoy the day – golf is a sport open to all ages and abilities and it’s a fun, wholesome day out.
We opened the Strike Shack officially in May 2025 and the local response has been amazing.
Any exercise, whether for the mind or the body, is so important, especially in these challenging times. It gives people the ability to play a full virtual reality golf simulator, playing courses around the world which the regular golfer could only dream of. The graphics are second to none and you really feel immersed in the game.
Photo shows: Derventio Housing Trust residents at Strike Shack