Community Fund Boost for Local Board Game Cafe

Southampton’s first ever board game cafe becomes latest Bluestar community fund recipient.

We are throwing our support behind a local not-for-profit cafe that encourages social inclusion through board games.

‘Board in the City’ is Southampton’s first ever board game cafe - and one of the UK’s first social enterprise versions of a gaming cafe.

“We use games as a non-clinical way of engaging with a marginalised community,” said Board in the City managing director, Hayley Binstead.

“Our games encourage social interaction, and help people build confidence. We can also provide additional support for those who come to see us - including advice on employment opportunities, and assistance for those with housing issues or who are in food poverty.

“We are approaching our 10th birthday, on 12 March, and are looking to boost and refresh our games library - including items like fiddle toys for our ADHA community, and hand fans for when the weather gets hot in the summer.

“This is a challenging time for many of us, and we have turned to Bluestar’s community fund for some financial help. We’re thrilled to have received £750, which will go a long way to making visits to the cafe even more inclusive and enjoyable. Thank you Bluestar for your generous support.”

Richard Tyldsley, Bluestar general manager, added: “Board in the City is a great initiative, allowing local people to spend as much time as they like participating in games and socialising. It is wonderful for social inclusion - bringing people in who may not otherwise have the opportunity to see and interact with others.

“It is exactly the sort of cause our community fund is designed for, and I am pleased we have been able to help.”

You can find out more about our community fund here. If you know of a local cause that could do with a helping hand, send them our way!