The initiative led by a local church and supported by Elderpark Housing is proving a runaway success in Govan.

Meeting every Wednesday for three hours in the afternoon, the Games 4 Life sessions led by Harper Church, based in nearby Kinning Park, offer companionship, tackle loneliness and isolation and in some cases boost confidence in individuals.

It is regularly attended by between eight and ten people each week and is hosted at Elderpark Housing’s offices in Golspie Street.

At the heart of the initiative is an endeavour to bring people together and promote a spirit of community cohesion – something Elderpark, like all housing associations, considers a vital part of its work in the neighbourhoods it serves.

David Childs of Harper Church explained: “This is an ideal way of bringing the community together and we are delighted with the way it has caught the public’s attention.

“We offer a warm welcome, tea and coffee and a range of traditional board games which people can play and engage with each other. The benefits are enormous to help mental wellbeing and the feedback we have received from those attending has been excellent.”

Now an appeal has gone out for more people who may want to come along as the project goes from strength to strength.

It receives funding from Elderpark Housing, as well as providing the weekly venue.

David added: “We are immensely grateful to Eldepark Housing for supporting Games 4 Life financially and ensuring we can continue this important initiative.’

Jonathan Giddings-Reid, community regeneration officer at Elderpark Housing, said: “Elderpark Housing places great emphasis on supporting the communities where our tenants live. It is an essential aspect of the work of any community-based housing provider.

“We are delighted with the success of Games 4 Life, which fulfils an important role in bringing people together. It is an inspiring, clever and yet simple way of fostering community wellbeing and we are proud to be playing our part.”