'Community spirit': Meet the board gamers combatting social isolation

Amy Morrison, Mike Sum and Rachael Smith run Renfrewshire Board Gamers which was founded over two years ago.

What originally started as a way to find like-minded people quickly morphed into a community that has allowed people to socialise across both Paisley and Johnstone.

The group meets across several locations including Italian restaurant Be Capri on Gilmour Street, Skirlies Cafe on Broomlands Street and also The Spateston Inn on Hallhill Road.

Mike Sum, left, helps run the group. (Image: Keith Orr - Photo Recalls) Rachael explained how the meetings are about much more than playing board games.

She said: "The group is all about bringing people together as well as promoting wellbeing and healthy mental health.

"We are trying to overcome any feelings of loneliness as well which is a big factor currently.

"We try to meet up every couple of weeks and are always trying to reach more people.

"All of us are trying our best to reduce social isolation and hopefully we are able to help provide a feeling of belonging for those who attend."

Those who attend vary in age, from teenagers to people in their 50s.

The group was founded over two years ago. (Image: Keith Orr - Photo Recalls) Rachael feels the wide variety of people from different backgrounds keeps the conversation flowing and allows for any potential barriers to be broken down.

She continued: "There is a real variety and are always keen to hear people's ideas on what else they would like to see.

"On average for the board games we tend to have around 15 to 20 people and usually meet on Friday evenings or Sunday afternoons.

"We felt like there was a gap in the market for a group like this, particularly given the cost of living crisis that we are currently living through.

"That is why it is our intention to keep things free to attend."

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Rachael also runs Renfrewshire Ladies, which meets up between three and four times a month.

They attend talks and go for walks as well as many other things.

She added: "The Renfrewshire Ladies group started over two years ago.

"Initially it was just a Facebook group to chat in and it has since blossomed into a real mini-community.

"Everyone is so welcoming and I would encourage anyone interested to join.

"It is the same concept as the board games group in terms of trying to get people out of the house and socialising

"The feedback has been really positive and it feels like great friendships are being built."