For anyone looking for company, something to leave the house for, the chance to try something new or to get mental health support, there are lots of groups in Oakham that offer a safe and supportive place that welcome people to drop by.

Whether you're looking for some company or the chance to tap into your artistic side, why not pop down to Pepper's for one of their free craft sessions? 

Every Wednesday, Pepper's runs a free-to-attend craft café, where attendees are welcome to bring their own craft supplies or use the ones available. 

The session runs weekly from 3pm to 5pm and does not require pre-booking – just turn up. 

Bring your own, or try something new at Pepper's free drop in craft sessions. (Photo: Pepper's A Safe Place)

Alternating weekly between Oakham and Uppingham, Age UK runs friendly coffee mornings. These sessions allow local people to meet and connect with each other, as well as access information and advice. This is a drop-in service so there is no need to book.  

This group runs on 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at St John and St Anne Centre in Oakham 10.30am - 12.30pm and on 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at Welland Vale Garden Centre in Uppingham. 

Run by Active Rutland, Walk Together Oakham is a beginner-friendly walking group, led by trained walk leaders. Meeting every Monday at 11am at St John and St Anne's common room, all walks are suitable for any age and are family friendly. 

These free local short walks are great for people to ease into becoming more active. Walking is also great for both mental and physical health, as well as an opportunity to connect with your local community.  

There is the chance for a chat and some refreshments after. 

Combining fresh air, company and the opportunity to get your hands dirty, Pepper's Wellbeing Gardening is a great chance to meet people and try something new. 

This free, welcoming, laid-back group allows people to get involved with nature in a safe and supportive environment – with plenty of tea and biscuits on the side. 

Taking place at Pepper's A Safe Place in Oakham, the group runs for 2 hours from 12.30pm on specific Tuesdays. 

On Tuesday 17th September, for example, the group will be holding a summer BBQ. On 8th October, visitors can try apple pressing, followed by outside gardening on 15th October. 

Pepper's Gardening Group does a variety of activities, including projects with things grown throughout the year. (Photo: Pepper's)

Neighbourhood Mental Health Cafe  

If you need to get something off your chest and are not sure where to go, Neighbourhood Mental Health Cafes offers somewhere to go to anyone needing support. 

The cafe is a drop-in service and offers one-on-one listening to visitors, as well as help directing them to other services that might help. This is a fully confidential service and, as it is a drop-in, no identifying information will be taken so visitors can remain anonymous if they like. 

Open to adults of any age, drop in for a cuppa, biscuit and a chat every Thursday between 5.30pm and 8.30pm.