A BARRHEAD art project which helps elderly people to make friends, as well as crafty designs, is on the lookout for new members.

Craft Café organisers are eager for more people to get involved in its weekly sessions, which cater for those aged 60 and above.

Offering a relaxed atmosphere, the classes allow participants to get creative and make new friends.

Each workshop is run by a professional artist who helps people to draw, paint, sew and make crafts.

The Impact Arts-run project is supported by FLAIR, a consortium of local housing associations, and is funded by Barrhead Housing Association and the Scottish Government’s People and Communities Fund.

Craft Café leader Anne Marie Wilson is keen to welcome new faces to the group.

She told the Barrhead News: “The Craft Café is a very welcoming environment where people can come along and get involved in a huge range of art activities while having a cup of tea and a blether.

“It’s open to everyone in the age group, no matter what level of experience they have.

“Some members are keen to rekindle a love of art they had when younger, while for others it’s a completely new thing.

“If it sounds like something that might interest you, I would encourage you to come along on a Wednesday, try it out and see if it’s something that suits you.”

Alistair Ferguson, 76, has been taking part in the workshops since last year.

He said: “I was a joiner, so I had some experience of doing drawings and diagrams as part of my work.

“But coming here has changed the way I think about art. Nowadays, I might be out and see a sunset and think ‘I’d like to paint that.’ “That’s what the tutors are good with – getting your imagination going.

“It’s an unfortunate fact of life that, as people get older, they are able to get out less. This is a great interest to have because you get to meet all these people who are roughly your own age, instead of just sitting in the house with the television on.”

Craft Café workshops are entirely free and take place between 1pm and 4pm every Wednesday at the town’s sheltered housing complex, in Main Street.

Those who would like to learn more about the project are invited to attend an open day at the facility.

The event, being staged as part of the Luminate Creative Ageing Festival, will take place on Wednesday, October 11, between 10.30am and 4.30pm.

Anyone who would like more information can also call Anne Marie on 0797 662 3552.