Gibsons has teamed up with Carillion Libraries to launch the clubs as part of its Piecing Together the Community social initiative.

The puzzle and games clubs, which are designed to combat the growing issue of loneliness, launched last week in Croydon and Hounslow in a bid to bring more local people together through their love of traditional puzzles and games.

There will be two more launches this month, in libraries based in Harrow and Ealing Central.

Michael Gibson, chairman of Gibsons, commented: “The Carillion Libraries are the perfect place for people to meet once a week, to share their passion with others and start new friendships. On top of the physical benefits of exercising the memory, and moving the joints in the arms and hands, puzzles and games have a great social benefit too, which we are celebrating through the Piecing Together the Community social initiative.”

Maria Garcia Iglesias, adult services development manager at CCS, added: “CCS Libraries is delighted to be involved in such a heart-warming, community spirited initiative. Part of our library’s focus is to capture the heart of the community and we are always looking to offer different activities and clubs to encourage people to come together. With tight budgets, these are only possible with the support of forward-thinking brands like Gibsons. Puzzles and games are a new avenue for us, but we are positive that it is going to be a hit, and bring more people out of their homes and into the community.”