People are being given the chance to make new friends and play classic board games at a new club at the Idlewells shopping centre in Sutton.

The Games Club, which has been launched in partnership with Age UK, runs every two weeks and is designed to create a safe space for people to meet and play games such as Monopoly, dominoes and cards.

Primarily aimed at those aged over 60, the event which can be attended by people of all ages. It was conceived following the national lockdowns, when many people were forced to stay at home alone with little or no social interaction.

Chloe O’Donnell, centre manager, said: “Coronavirus really shone a spotlight on those who live alone and perhaps don’t have regular social contact or rely on being able to get out and about to meet and engage with others.

“No one should feel alone. Sutton is a very close community and we wanted to make sure residents knew that if they wanted a few hours every couple of weeks where they could have fun and meet people, then they could come to us.

“Our Games Club is open to anyone who needs it.”

Deborah Hughes, connect coordinator at Age UK, said: “Some of those who attended said it was the first time they had been able to have a conversation since lockdown.

“We even had children from Sutton Community Academy who were also really interested. One of them likes to play chess but had no-one to partner with, while another said that he would like to come after school with his mum because he hopes she might be able to make some new friends from it.”

The next date is Monday, 18th October. For more information, visit www.idlewells.co.uk