Quickly exit this site by pressing the Escape key Leave this site
We use some essential cookies to make our website work. We’d like to set additional cookies so we can remember your preferences and understand how you use our site.
You can manage your preferences and cookie settings at any time by clicking on “Customise Cookies” below. For more information on how we use cookies, please see our Cookies notice.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Sorry, there was a technical problem. Please try again.
This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.
Our officers have shared some of their favourite games with a group that is connecting people and transforming local lives.
PCSO Laura Holmes and PCSO Natalie Furlonger, from the West Bromwich neighbourhood policing team, caught up with members of the Games Drop-in group at Central Library Board.
They handed over games and jigsaws that offices collected, when they heard the group needed new games.
When officers heard the group - set up by Sandwell Libraries volunteers - needed new games, they asked their colleagues in Sandwell Police to help.
PCSO Holmes, based at West Bromwich police station, said: “When we found out that the group needed games, we asked around the station and people were kind enough to bringing games that were just gathering dust at home.”
The group first came together this summer because they wanted to create a fun activity to bring people together and prevent loneliness.
The group identified the lack of free, accessible places to meet new friends and shared how it can be especially difficult for disabled people, including those with learning differences, to find safe places to connect.
Everyone is now welcome to the all ability sessions to get people chatting over their favourite board games.
Michael from the group, said: “Our friendly volunteers welcome people and help them to find a games partner.
“There’s no pressure, it’s not competitive and we have lots of fun.
“It’s great that the police have seen what we are doing and are helping. The games that have kindly been donated will help us to get even more local people involved.”
Melissa Guest, Volunteer Development Manager from Sandwell Libraries, added: “This activity is great for libraries, it brings people together, it’s fun and is a fantastic volunteer opportunity.
“We’re over the moon that one of our group members is celebrating finding a job that she loves, as a direct result of the confidence new skills she has found through being involved. We would love to hear from more local people and partners who could help us to roll the initiative out to libraries across Sandwell.”
The Board Games Drop-in takes place on the second Monday of every month at Central Library in West Bromwich, between 5pm and 6:30pm. The next session will be on Monday 9 December 2024.
Everyone is welcome, it’s free to take part and free hot drinks are available. For more information, call Central Library on 0121 569 4900 or email [email protected]