Testimonials – Herefordshire Board Gamers

Here is a small sample of our amazing feedback, We’ve love more get in touch!

It is great to find such an inclusive, friendly group. We were welcomed and made to feel very comfortable. There was always someone on hand to explain how to play the games.

Woman 20s HERE FOR GAMES CON FEEDBACK

HBG is really a community and we are all supportive of each other and accept one another for who we as individuals are. I personally find gaming to have a relaxing, Mindfulness effect on me where my mind quietens, thus increasing my mental health and well-being

Woman 30s COMMUNITY REGULAR

Everyone involved and attending were so friendly and helpful. There was not one person I came across who was not willing to help or share their time. Would we return next time: MOST DEFINITELY!!! This weekend was an absolute first for us and most definitely not a last.

Woman 30s HERE FOR GAMES CON FEEDBACK

I think the thing I liked the absolute most was that the event was sensitive to mental health, identity and non-cis personas without being sanctimonious or pretentious about it. It made both me and my partner really comfortable and able to freely enjoy the event.

Woman 20s HERE FOR GAMES CON FEEDBACK

Your roundtable was my personal highlight of the entire expo; thank you so much for organising it and sharing your experience with other enthusiasts so generously.

Woman 20s UK GAMES EXPO 2022 BOARD GAME ORGANISERS KNOWLEDGE SHARE

Last year I was introduced to online games. At my age….64… I thought it would be snakes and ladders. I can hear the intake of breath. No these are fun ones, some a twist on old games, mystery, team games, the list is long. But most of all the people are genuine soles eager to help and encourage any and all.

Woman 60s NEW MEMBER DURING THE PANDEMIC

The Herefordshire board gamers have had such a positive impact on our family.

We like playing games but find after playing the same ones we end up not playing at all. And with the rising costs of living it’s just not financially viable for us to pay out for new games all the time. The group have given us back that quality family time by allowing us to try new games for free. So much choice and very friendly, knowledgeable people running it. Even our 16 year old has started getting a game out ready to play once the younger kids are in bed. It’s been lovely having time together. The kids are excited when it comes to ‘game swap time’ too. It weirdly reminds me of the excitement I used to feel as a child going to blockbuster and being able to choose from so many items!

Family

LIBRARY FEEDBACK

“Herefordshire Board Gamers Library is an absolute gem for board game enthusiasts like us, and it’s quickly become a go-to destination for fun and entertainment. In a world dominated by screens and virtual experiences, Herefordshire Board Gamers Library is like a breath of fresh air. It’s a reminder that the simple joy of sitting down with friends, rolling dice, and strategizing on a board is timeless and priceless.
The first thing that struck us was the incredible range and sheer number of games available. It’s like entering a magical realm of cardboard and strategy. From classic family games to intricate Eurogames, there’s something here for every taste and skill level. Every game we have borrowed from the library is in excellent condition. It’s clear that the organizers and volunteers put their hearts into ensuring that the games are in top-notch condition. It makes the entire gaming experience feel really enjoyable. The organizers and volunteers, they deserve a standing ovation! Their passion for board games is infectious, whether you’re a seasoned gamer looking for a challenge or a beginner in need of some guidance, they’re always there to help. And let’s not forget Adam, his recommendations are excellent. The costs of some of the premium board games make them hard to purchase, the library lets you try before you buy. We have made several purchases after borrowing games (and finding that we couldn’t live without them). So, next time you have some free time check out the library, and I am sure that like us, you won’t be disappointed!”

Hannah & Lesley (Shuffle&Roll)
LIBRARY FEEDBACK

The Herefordshire board gamers have had such a positive impact on our family.
We like playing games but find after playing the same ones we end up not playing at all. And with the rising costs of living it’s just not financially viable for us to pay out for new games all the time. The group have given us back that quality family time by allowing us to try new games for free. So much choice and very friendly, knowledgeable people running it. Even our 16 year old has started getting a game out ready to play once the younger kids are in bed. It’s been lovely having time together. The kids are excited when it comes to ‘game swap time’ too.
It weirdly reminds me of the excitement I used to feel as a child going to blockbuster and being able to choose from so many items!
Family

Loan to a health group
We have loaned a variety of games from Hereford Board gamers and having the group recommend and suggest games was brilliant as they are new games and meet different needs of the young people. The Games are used during one to one’s which support us to building positive relationships with young people. The games are also used in small group sessions and youth club which get young people communicating, building peer- relationships and problem solving either as individuals or groups.

Adam Jeffery- Senior Youth Work- Wye Valley Trust

Loan to ‘warm rooms’

‘Such a great idea, to have a really brilliant range of games available to borrow. Having them at the Warm Space in Ross gave people an extra incentive to sit together and play. It was a lovely conversation starter and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Thank you for the opportunity to borrow some familiar favourites and try some games we hadn’t seen before.’

Volunteer Development Feedback

Herefordshire Board Gamers (also now known as Here For Games) has been a huge part of my life since I joined over seven years ago in May 2017. When I joined I certainly felt like a nobody and looking back now for all intents and purposes, I was. My levels of self esteem and confidence were through the floor. I wanted to hide away. I would walk facing the ground to avoid making eye contact with anyone, hoping they wouldn’t notice me. My goal was just to make it through the day while talking to as few people as I possibly could and even then limiting the conversations that I did have to the minimal amount of words. I was persuaded by my cousin to come and visit Herefordshire Board Gamers and because of an influx of people called James that earned me the moniker of Cousin James which I use with pride to this day. The decision to go was a huge one and one that I will never ever regret. I started to want to socialise and talk to people. I felt safe. I felt like I could open up to these people who at that point I was only starting to know. Fast forward to today where I initially started as a guest, I eventually became a volunteer and I am now part on the committee. I now have an overly active social life and people usually describe me as a ball of positive energy, always chirpy and pretty chill, easy-going and confident. Herefordshire Board Gamers has done more than just improve my social life and ability to interact at their events. They have positively affected my life outside that. For example, the rise in my confidence has enabled me to change my career from retail into the care sector in my role as a support worker. I have also become a mental health first aider thanks to Herefordshire board gamers promotion of mental wellbeing. Sure I still have my problems going through life as does everyone but now I know that I have people who can help me through it and have my back.

In summary, Herefordshire Board Gamers has given me so much from life and helped me find the real me – the me that I enjoy being and have always wanted to be. When I think about how far I have come, I am momentarily overcome with pure joy. I cannot give enough thanks to every single member – past and present – that I have interacted with, even moreso the volunteers and committee members. They all played a part. I feel as though it is impossible to give the same amount back because no value can be put on what I have received, however it will never stop me trying.

2024 Survey stats

2024 survey 100% of 32 respondents agree gaming is good for their mental health
2024 survey 100% of 32 respondents were helped to meet people or challenge isolation
2024 survey 93% of 32 respondents had improve confidence
2024 survey 93% of 32 respondents had developed or learned skills

2024 survey highlights!

I’ve met some people that I think will be lifelong friends.
The diversity of attendees, particularly at Here for Games Con
I run a board games club for people with disabilities and being able to borrow from the library to test run games before dipping into our budget to buy them has been invaluable. We have gone on to purchase 3 of the games we borrowed, and found a few that didn’t work as well, which has saved us shelling out on games that won’t get used.
Very welcoming to new attendees of all board game levels
How welcoming everyone is 🙂
Very helpful and friendly volunteers who take their time to help you understand each game.
How welcoming everyone is 🙂
I look forward to board games event with my peers every month. It is a big highlight for me
Being able to borrow games suitable for different abilities, bringing our family together more, from toddlers to teens.
HB’s events has helped keep me social more than any other group.
Friendly atmosphere
The Social inclusion is great, it didn’t feel forced people are so friendly
When attending events I have spoken to people who have said that attending sessions has given them more confidence to talk with others and try new things!!
I am able to borrow games before buying them
As a game designer its great to playtest some of my game designs with a wide variety of people that attend HBG events. These range from the general public who sedom play games to casual gamers to highly experienced gamers who regularly play a wide variety of games
Met people I wouldn’t otherwise cross paths with
Attending these events gives a place to enjoy in person games with a range of people whose company I’d never have had the pleasure of if not for coming to them
I’ve learned about DnD (player and DM) over the past year but I’ve been exposed to so many alternatives likealiens, and something I can’t remember the name of – enjoyed it all!
Feedback on how we handle inclusion 2023

Feedback on how we handle inclusion 2023

I think that you are brilliant at this, better than any other group I’ve heard of.

Providing free spaces for people to have fun and socialise without discrimination

Being shown the games is really helpful and those teaching have been knowledgeable and friendly.

Strong policies that protect members and a culture of respect and inclusivity.
Events that welcome vulnerable groups such as LGBTQ+ /disabled/ neurodivergent as well as signage and games that specifically cater for them.

being welcoming and inclusive and for creating a communal space where I feel safe and can have fun and make friends

The free lending library, and on top of that the ability to borrow tables and chairs, means that all you would need to host your own event is at your finger tips. It’s very very good, I think having a games library is very generous.

Here for Games Con 2023 Feedback

FUN, FANTASTIC, INCLUSIVE

How inclusive the event was. It really was for everyone and I felt very welcome and looked after.

All of the volunteers were so friendly and welcoming

Pronoun stickers were great!

Walking in and being swept up into a game almost instantly.

I really liked the variety of games that were running.

Everyone was just so friendly and welcoming. It was lovely that Adam welcomed us straightaway and explained the activities and layout of the convention, and asked what we were particularly interested in.

2023 End of Year survey Testimonials

I discovered the club at Hereford Pride. Loved the idea but didn’t join for a while. After the break up of a long term relationship I realised I didn’t have any friends. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and went to my first game night. I was welcomed instantly and found myself coming out of my shell. As someone with both a physical disability and severe anxiety, I find making friends extremely difficult but now I feel I have found my people. I look forward to each event and would love to get stuck into the club more

Coming to these events has massively improved my quality of life – I feel part of a wonderful community – thank you

HBG has really helped encourage me to take a step back from the more isolating hobbies such as reading and TV and get more involved with other people.

Having a public venue where I can go several times a month has been a game changer to my social life and confidence skills. I found a lot of people didn’t want the pressure of hosting or having to manage fear/embarrassment of people seeing where they live has held a lot of friends back from attending or hosting social nights, so having a board gaming venue where we can all meet up where all you have to bring is yourself has really turned my life around.

HBG has encouraged me to step beyond the mainstream games like Game of Life and Scrabble. Every game recommended to me has been better than 90% of the mainstream games.

One of the most off putting things about joining a new group or club is the fear of meeting new people and conversation. However, when playing board games, chat if you want but otherwise just play games. HBG really ‘gets’ that.

I was quite new to the city and was struggling being far away from family and friends – this group was such a nice way to socialise while doing something I love. Coming to events really boosted my confidence and introduced me to lots of fun new games. Everyone is very friendly and the community is so inclusive!

A very big, positive impact. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that Herefordshire Boardgamers is one of the most consistently active organizations in little old Hereford, and I think it brings a lot of genuine good to this area, especially with how easy it sometimes feels to become socially isolated around here, with everyone often scattered in little towns all across the countryside. I think I would be in a much worse place now if this group did not exist and carried out the good work it does.