BRAINSTORMING, widening social networks and having a bit of a laugh are just some of the things members of a new weekly club in Barrhead get up to, writes Monica Gibson.

The Good Company Social Group (GCSG) meet every Friday at Barrhead Health Centre.

It is a peer to peer-led group made up of individuals with additional support needs who, over the past nine months, have become good friends.

For some, the group is the only chance they have to socialise and is seen as an absolute lifeline.

The membership is very diverse, with men and women aged from 24 to over 60 involved.

Together, they share advice on everything from the best way to get internet access to housing issues and benefit entitlements.

Members also enjoy various day trips.

Alan Stevenson, who is a community link worker for the East Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), supports the group and is delighted to see the progress made in recent months.

He is now hoping more people will sign up.

Alan told the Barrhead News: “The Good Company Social Group works because each person who attends can get something different from it.

“At the same time, the members make the group and each individual makes their own contribution through their personality and their experience.

“Since it started, we have had reports of positive impacts on the physical and mental health of the members and we hope that will continue.”

Anyone who would like to find out more about the group should contact Alan by sending an email to Alan.Stevenson@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk.

Alternatively, visit the Cowan Room at Barrhead Health Centre on Fridays between 1pm and 3pm.