For Dylan Leckey, a monthly board game café in Newtownards is proving to be a winning way to get out of the house, meet new people and enjoy some good old-fashioned fun around the table.
The South Eastern Trust’s ‘Men’s Board Game Café’ brings local men together once a month at Newtownards Manor Court Community Centre, providing a relaxed space to socialise, build friendships and share experiences over a game or two.
Dylan decided to come along as a way of meeting new people and getting out of the house and is already enjoying the friendly atmosphere and competitive spirit of the group.
Dylan said: “Coming to the Café is a way of getting out of the house, meeting new people and not playing the PlayStation 24/7!”
South Eastern Trust, Multi-Disciplinary Social Worker, Rena Stanley explained how the Café set up is now in its second month and was the brainchild of patients from the Killynether GP Surgery in Newtownards.
Rena commented, “Some of the men from the surgery suggested a space where they could go to promote connection, time together and shared experience would be a good idea.
“They wanted a space would they could come and have a cup of tea, coffee and decompress and spend time with others. We felt a Board Games Café would be quite popular and we have started ‘Mexican Train Dominoes’ which is proving quite the hit.”
Rena shared how there is something for everyone to come along and play including classic table top games such as Battleships, Taboo and Connect 4.
Rena added, “The best part of the game is people sitting around the table, it’s good fun and so far, we are building up the amount of people who are coming along. I would like to say, personally, to all those men in the North Down and Ards area, who would like to come along that they are more than welcome to this great space and please get involved.”
Taking a quick strategy break from the Dominoes table, Dylan said, “It can be harder for men to come out and speak to people, but board games are a way to do that.
“Everyone is nice and I am enjoying the Mexican Train Dominoes, it was hard at the start, but Rena was great at explaining it and after two, three games it was great and we are back at it this month.”
To find out more about the Men’s Board Game Café, contact Rena on 07814073086.