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These are some comments from a few of our members...
"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.
"I have had a great experience joining the Men's club. Previously I suffered from anxiety, which had been exacerbated by the lockdown. Being part of the group helped me overcome this. I have also thoroughly enjoyed our trips, going to many places I wouldn't have gotten to experience. The group is a great addition to Neilston's community."
Michael R.
"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."
Update: "I joined the group about four and half years ago, didn't think it was for me. There you go, still here having enjoyed numerous trips about Scotland and our weekly meetings on a Friday.
It's a great group for communicating and getting together, better than sitting in the house. Raymond and his helpers work hard to make everyone welcome and you look forward to our weekly get together. Long may it continue, cheers guys 👍☺️"
Robert E.
"I have recently joined the NGM, and have found it has changed my life for the better by having contact with so many interesting individuals.
I felt quite isolated in life, after my retirement, but now I have somewhere I can meet safely with similar men and have a great time discussing various things that we can help each other with."
Update: Friday morning's are now my most enjoyable part of the week and I look forward to them so much."I retired ten years ago and couldn't cope with not having people's company. I went into a sad place, finding that I didn't want to go out.
I was invited by Raymond to come along to the Men's Group and since joining it has changed my life for the better. The friendship and camaraderie is fantastic, and I look forward to our meetings and day's out for the great company."
Billy C.
"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.
"I moved to Neilston 16 months ago from Fort William where I knew everybody. So, as you can imagine moving to the village not knowing anyone was quite a stressful time.
After five months I was invited to join the men's welfare group and the guys made me feel so welcomed. The group has married men, single guys and guys who have lost their wives. One thing I have noticed is that some of the group suffer loneliness, depression, etc.
I know from my own experience the group lifts you up to put it in a nutshell. The group has days out and even when there's no trip, we meet on a Friday morning for a roll and sausage, a bit of craic and a natter, which lifts everyone's spirit.
Raymond and the committee are doing a wonderful job. This group has to keep going for the welfare of theses guys, which also helps with loneliness and mental health."
Update: "I moved to Neilston over two years ago, which was daunting for me after living in the same village for 65 years.
Not knowing anyone was a bit overwhelming, then I was asked to join Raymond's group. They meet every Friday and sometimes a different day if a trip is planned. We meet most Fridays for a roll and a chat and sometimes talk on some subjects and sometimes talk rubbish. I have made many friends through the club and enjoy the craic."
John M.
"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 am a relatively new member of the Neilston Men’s Group, having joined in Autumn 2024 and had no preconceived ideas about the potential benefits of joining the group. I knew nothing about their aims and objectives but am happy to report that I have found it to be really therapeutic!
We are a diverse and socially inclusive bunch who have harmonious weekly meetings and discuss potential outings or activities which we may undertake. Some of our members have particular vulnerabilities but we are aware of these members and we defer to their needs when circumstances require it."
Philip R.
"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."
Update: "I lost my wife 5 years ago. The first couple of years I was totally lost. I had no motivation for anything.
Then I heard about Raymond and his men's group. I went along to check it out, as I knew a couple of the guys who were in the same situation, and I was made really welcome
Now I have a new lease of life thanks to the group. Some Fridays we just meet up for a hot roll and a blether and other times we go out for a trip like to the Museums and trips to Oban, Isle of Bute and Dundee.
I would be so lost without the group. They are a mixed bunch of ages and backgrounds. I would say to anyone on their own to come along. You would be made welcome."
John A.
“I joined the group in 2022, in its early days as a men's breakfast club at "The Bank", when I moved to working three days a week. I needed something to occupy my time and, being an “interlouper”, I wanted to get to know the village community a bit better.
I’ve a background in IT and am a keen photographer, so I've used those skills to promote the group’s activities. I've developed our website, set up our WhatsApp group, Facebook page and YouTube channel, and I share updates via social media. I've had to learn as I go so all of this helps keep my mind active.
Now I know over 25 local men, some I’d like to call friends, and I really look forward to our weekly meetings and outings and to hear what everyone has been up to. I'm fully retired now and I'm not sure what I'd do without the group to occupy my time - it gives me some purpose and adds so much to my wellbeing.”
Allan O.
"When my wife passed away three years ago I found myself at a loss. Tried a number of things and by good fortune they led me to Raymond and the group.
I find the friendship within the group outstanding. Be it in the bowling green or at the away days I thoroughly enjoy and look forward to being involved. Thanks to Raymond and the group."
Stewart C.
"I am a relatively new member of the Neilston Men’s Group, having joined in Autumn 2024 and had no preconceived ideas about the potential benefits of joining the group. I knew nothing about their aims and objectives but am happy to report that I have found it to be really therapeutic!
We are a diverse and socially inclusive bunch who have harmonious weekly meetings and discuss potential outings or activities which we may undertake. Some of our members have particular vulnerabilities but we are aware of these members and we defer to their needs when circumstances require it."
Philip R.
"I am proud to say I am a member of The Neilston Mens Group. Three years ago I was drinking too much and had spells of depression when my wife was seriously ill in hospital for 4.5 months. Later I was introduced to Neilston Mens Group and was accepted.
This has changed my life completely. My mental health has improved and I don't drink as much as I used to. Thanks to Raymond and helpers for organising weekly meetings for tea/coffee and rolls and various outings to interesting and entertaining places for all my new friends, a great bunch of guys. Thanks again to everyone."
Jim M.
"When I retired I used to deliver meals on wheels as a volunteer in Barrhead. I was usually the only person they met all day. This brought home to me how lonely some elderly people are.
I am now in my mid 80s and after a very adventurous life have been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis due to asbestos. Raymond and his helpers, combined with the use of the Neilston Bowling club, have been a godsend for the elderly. We enjoy meeting every Friday and going to interesting places, also the camaraderie makes a huge difference to life.
Awrabest!"
Alec M.
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