Project wants to '˜leave a light on in Lisburn'

Jonny Orr came up with the idea, he said, after he experienced a period of loneliness and had nowhere to go.

“I have been talking to people about this for years,” he said. “I don’t drink and that is really all there is to do at night.

“A few of us were at St Patrick’s one night and as I went to turn the light out and close up, I noticed a frisbee and started throwing it around; the next thing we knew it was one in the morning.

“I would like this to be a place that people can come to when they feel alone, want to meet with friends, have a chat and play some games. I want to take people back to their childhood, when things were simple, before reality kicked in.

“I want to leave a light on in Lisburn so that people always have somewhere to go to when they need it.” Jonny and the group helping to set up the project have held a test run at St Patrick’s Parochial Centre and are also holding clubs in Atlas Women’s Centre.

The long term plan is to find a place of their own in the city centre that can be open late at night, as well as during the day.

“Often people who will be coming along will be socially awkward or have anxiety,” said Jonny, “so we found that having board games and activities helps people to engage with each other.”

Jonny is asking local people to donate old board games so they can stock up St Patrick’s Parochial Centre and Atlas Women’s Centre.

He is also keen to hear from anyone who has any ideas or suggestions about activities that could be held in the club.

“I would like to thank everyone who has been involved so far,” he said. “This is all about community and togetherness. We want to help each other and build a real community in Lisburn.”

Jonny can be contacted through Facebook at www.facebook.com/Jonny-Orr-1379190539016332