Večeri društvenih igara

English translation. This entry was submitted in Croatian. It was translated by AI and checked against the original by a second pass. The Croatian text below is the contributor’s own, and it is the authoritative version. If you spot a translation that misses the point, please say so in the General space.

Board Game Evenings

Dear members of Udruga Feniks Split, and those of you who are only planning to become members, we invite you to another pleasant get-together in the intimate space of Longfield Pub. We have planned an evening full of fun and laughter with various board games.

The event is free and intended for people with mental illness, but anyone willing to join us will be welcome. Feel free to invite people who need company and fun and who you think might be interested.

One of the more devastating consequences of mental illness is social isolation and a feeling of loneliness. People are usually afraid of what is unknown and different, so it is easiest to push such people into the dark, to the margins of society, to reject them. We have decided to fight fear and prejudice with openness and togetherness. So you are all welcome!

Have you been alone for a long time, shut up within your own four walls? Not only has the illness taken away your trust in yourself and your own thoughts, but it has mercilessly cut you off from the rest of the world… you're here, yet you're not here? You're lonely. It's hard to take the first step…

Thoughts like these go through your head:

"How will I come when I don't know anyone?"

"I don't even feel like talking…"

"Maybe my condition will even get worse."

"What if I'm odd again?"

"I'd rather stay home, safe…"

But in that "safety" you are unhappy… and nothing can change…

Dare to step over your resistance and fear, and come… Every journey begins with a first step.

At Longfield Pub, on Tuesdays at 7pm, some unusual but warm people are waiting for you… people who understand your struggles because they are fighting them too.

Various board games will be available:

Čovječe ne ljuti se (a Croatian version of Ludo)

Risk

Dixit

Jenga

Catan

Monopoly

Pictionary

Bingo

Cards for Briškula and Trešeta (Dalmatian card games)

Jigsaw puzzles

Chess

Uno

Dominoes, etc.

Feel free to bring your own favourite games too.

We note that these evenings are meant to be a relaxed, casual get-together; we deal with more serious topics in our mutual support groups.

We are already looking forward to a pleasant evening in good company and to creating some lovely new memories!

We sincerely thank the owners of Longfield Pub, who have provided us with the space for these events free of charge, and where you will be able to enjoy a refreshing drink at affordable prices.

BOARD GAME EVENINGS ARE FREE and open to all citizens, regardless of age, education or specific difficulties. You don't need to sign up in advance, just come – you'll be welcome!

They are part of the programme "Zasučimo rukave za mentalno zdravlje" (Let's Roll Up Our Sleeves for Mental Health), funded by the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy, and co-funded by the City of Split and Split-Dalmatia County. The content of the programme is the sole responsibility of the association and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Ministry.

We run the programme in partnership with the Family Centre – Split-Dalmatia Regional Office, and the association Permakultura Dalmacija (Permaculture Dalmatia).

WELCOME! 🙌😃

What it sets out to do

Through free get-togethers with board games in various cafés, we seek to address the social isolation and stigmatisation of people with mental illness in the community.

Who it reaches

City of Split

Who runs it

NGO – Udruga Feniks Split – Association for the Promotion of Mental Health Feniks Split

What seems to make it work

an open invitation for marginalised groups to socialise, securing an inclusive space with the agreement of the owners of various service venues, a range of board games acquired, inclusive volunteers acting as activity facilitators

What gets in the way

stigma and self-stigma, lack of funds for users' drinks

How it is funded

Udruga Feniks Split obtained the board games through various projects funded by the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy, co-funded by the City of Split and Split-Dalmatia County. Users pay for their own drinks at the café.

Moving it somewhere else

Yes