Testimonials

"I retired last year after 50 years of working and I have struggled to get used to it. Mainly feeling isolated. My Mother in law told me about the Neilston Men’s Group on a Friday where you meet up for a cuppa, breakfast and a blether. So, I contacted the group on line, and completed a form, at that time there was a waiting list.

After a few months I got word to come along to the Neilston Bowling Club to join. I felt welcomed from the start and have met some interesting and friendly guys.  Also, they arrange days out to places of interest and sometimes we have a lunch or fish tea. 

For me it has been good to get out and about, meeting new people, having a laugh and going out site-seeing. The Friday group has given me some structure and social interaction, helping my wellbeing. I now look forward to going to the group for a nice roll, a cuppa and a chat with my new friends.  I hope the club continues to grow and it’s something for all members to look forward to."

Gordon G.

"About two and a half years ago Raymond asked me a few times to come and see what the group was all about, and I said at the time I thought it was not for me. I knew Raymond beforehand, usually socially, anyway one Friday I turned up at the old bank, and there was I think about 6 or 7 there - Raymond, big John, Allan, Stevie, Jim McCullough, sorry if I missed any originals.

Anyway, it says a lot that, after all that time, I'm still appearing most Fridays. To me that's down to that 1st week. Since then, quite a few guys have joined the group making it into a fun Friday morning to look forward to. We've been to some great places on the west coast of Scotland, not to mention a Tour of Hampden Stadium, a couple of distilleries, Tennents Brewery, and a host of other places I wouldn't have visited if I hadn’t turned up that Friday morning a few years ago. Anyway, a great excuse to get yourself off the armchair for a few hours. Long may the group grow and keep the banter coming."

Robert E.

"I was made aware of the NMG over a year ago after speaking to a friend who is one of its original members. I am a 70 year old pensioner. I live alone in supported accommodation in the village. I have a surgical plate in my spine, two replacement hips, arthritis in my lower spine and I am a recovering alcoholic. I am also epileptic and have suffered from panic/social anxiety and other mental health problems since leaving the military in 1976 (Royal Navy).

Unlike any service available to me locally, the NMG provides for me an unconditional membership where I am treated with dignity and respect. Mental and physical support, mental and physical activity, companionship, entertainment, transport (if required) and educational outings to places of interest. Activities/outings are decided by the group and costings kept within our budget which we contribute to via monthly subscription. 

Our hall provides us with a "safe and warm" facility, where we can look forward to a hot drink and a hot roll. It is a place to relax and unwind amongst friends. Our informal peer led forum provides a confidential platform to discuss issues/problems that may be causing concern e.g. general health, mental health, men's health, age concerns, relationships, money, pensions, benefits etc. Issues may be discussed within the group or engage in a one to one for those less inclined to share openly. The NGM also provides support for those members who are feeling low/depressed, unwell or in hospital. 

One of our members custom designed our own NMG Website. We also have a members forum on WhatsApp. Essentially, help/support from the group is only a click or a phone call away. 

I THOMAS SANDERSON, former member of NHS Argyll & Clyde Health Board, can testify with all sincerity that the NMG provides for me the type of informal support that Local Authority or the NHS simply can not hope to provide. It undoubtedly has helped to address my feelings of isolation/loneliness, helped to reduce my social anxiety and helped to improve my mental health/self esteem."

Thomas S.

"When I retired around 18 months ago I found that life was dramatically different from what I had  envisaged. I'm fortunate that I have a supportive wife and we enjoy a reasonably active life together. However after a lifetime of working with people I found myself feeling slightly isolated.

Then I was invited to join the Neilston Mens Club and found that there were lots of guys who were not as lucky as me. Some didn't have support at home due to bereavement and others had chronic health issues. The club provides a priceless opportunity for the guys to help and support each other."

Billy S.

"I lost my wife a few years ago. It's fair to say I was lost without her. Someone told me about Neilston Men's Group so I went along so see what it was like. All the guys made me welcome and within a short time I started to look forward to meeting up with them.

They are a mixed bunch in ages and back ground. With their help I started to feel a difference in myself, whether it's just meeting up for a tea and a hot roll or a day out somewhere. Now I look forward to my Fridays." 

John A.