PUB TACKLES LONELINESS BRICK BY BRICK WITH UNIQUE LEGO SESSION

It’s the legendary game that has kept generations of children amused for hours.

Now, one of our pubs is bringing Lego lovers of all ages together, using the iconic bricks as a tool to combat loneliness, build confidence and boost overall wellbeing.

The Bowling Green in Charnock Richard hosts free Lego-build workshops on the third Sunday of every month, opening its doors to people keen to connect through creativity and to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of completing designs – from simple to super complex – out of bricks.

The sessions are organised by the NW Brick Community, a community interest group which provides free, therapeutic Lego-based activities for all ages across the North West.

Founder Gary Foxcroft, who also lives in Chorley, brings a wide range of sets to each session – from beginner builds of fewer than 50 pieces to more complex designs, including Star Wars, Harry Potter and the house from the film Up. Some can be up to 500 pieces.

Large Duplo bricks are also available, offering support for people living with dementia or providing a therapeutic activity for those recovering from a stroke.

The Bowling Green is owned by the Manchester-based Joseph Holt brewery A key ethos of the 176 year-old family business, based just off Cheetham Hill, is the role its pubs play in the heart of the communities where they are located.

So when the opportunity to host the Lego sessions arose, the Bowling Green’s landlady Katrina McCarron leapt at the chance.

She said: “Our pub, like all Joseph Holt pubs, is much more than a place to have a drink – it’s a real hub for the community. Providing a space for these Lego sessions, which are aimed at creating a relaxed environment where people can come together and boost their wellbeing, felt like an obvious fit.

“I’ve now seen first hand how incredible it is when people connect with Lego – literally – and how beneficial that can be – not least as way to promote social inclusion and fight loneliness. As a pub, we’re very aware of how important it is to be somewhere people can meet others, especially if they don’t have many opportunities to do so. That’s why we’re so delighted to host the Lego sessions here.”

Gary previously ran a Lego hire business, which is how he has built up such an extensive collection of sets. He now offers free Lego workshops not only at the Bowling Green but also in other community settings, including care homes.

“Lego builds bring people together,” he said. “Our sessions are about much more than just putting out a pile of Lego in a library. We’re here to guide people, show them what’s possible to create, and help them connect with others in a relaxed and unique way.”

* The sessions run at the Bowling Green on the third Sunday of the month from 10am to 11.30am