At a social club in Sutton, board games is all it takes to help the elderly overcome loneliness and isolation.

Now thanks to a community grant, Sutton South Hello will be able to keep helping people throughout the community.

It was five years ago that founder Heather Honour realised there was a large number of older people living alone in the neighbourhood.

Together with community leaders, residents’ associations and councillors, a newsletter was set up to provide information on activities happening around the area.

This evolved into the Wednesday Hello Club which meets at Christ Church hall in Sutton where people can play board games, listen to guest speakers and make new friends.

Regular attendee, 93-year-old Nancy, has lived in the area all her life and said she loved the weekly get togethers.

“It’s somewhere to go and make friends rather than stay indoors on your own," she said.

"Plus if you can’t get here under your own steam, they’ll fetch you and take you back.”

The grant of £677 was awarded by Sutton South, Cheam and Belmont Local Committee and will cover the cost of printing the club’s newsletter, board games, and other items including a bingo machine.

Councillor Tony Shields couldn't stop singing the praises of the club.

“The Wednesday Hello Club is a brilliant initiative and the committee was delighted to be able to support it," he said.

“For people living in isolation, social clubs like this can often be the main highlight of their week and provide a chance to get out and make new friends.”