With autumn in full swing, a care home in Southampton is inviting the local community to come together for an afternoon of fun, games, and friendly competition to celebrate the simple joys of traditional games.

On Thursday 15th October from 2pm-4pm, Care UK’s Oaklands House, on Allington Lane, will open its doors to families, friends and neighbours for a board game café to reignite the magic of games nights this autumn.

Throughout the event, residents and those willing to compete can enjoy a variety of games, including snakes and ladders, ludo, scrabble, backgammon, and draughts.

To keep energy levels high, residents and guests will be able to enjoy refreshments such as a cheese board with crackers, fresh fruit and a selection of hot and cold beverages.

The event is part of Care UK’s ‘Bored Games’ initiative – a nationwide campaign intended to revive the magic of family and community games nights. At a time when social media and online gaming have transformed how people spend their leisure time, the initiative is celebrating the simple joys of spending time together playing traditional board games and the memories they can create.

From community events to intergenerational activities, care homes across the UK will celebrate togetherness and reconnect residents with traditional games that shaped their younger years.

Byron Nadjie, Home Manager at Oaklands House, said: “We are delighted to be inviting the local community to join us for our gaming event and share in an afternoon of fun, laughter and friendly competition.  

“Here at Oaklands House, we’re proud to be part of the Southampton community, and events like this are a fantastic way of bringing people together of all ages. Traditional board games have a wonderful way of sparking conversations and bringing back treasured memories, and we’re looking forward to seeing residents share stories from games nights they enjoyed when they were younger.

“Whether you’re a board game enthusiast or simply looking for a fun afternoon out, we’d love for as many people to join us as possible. We can’t wait to welcome everyone through our doors and see who will come out on top!”

To find out more about Bored Games, please visit: careuk.com/bored-games

Oaklands House, operated by Care UK, is a care home that provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Oaklands House has been designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives while also promoting independence. 

For more information on Oaklands House and to book your place at the event, please contact Home Manager Byron Nadjie on 023 8047 2581, email manager.oaklandshouse@uk.careuk.com or visit careuk.com/oaklands-house