To celebrate their first birthday, Oakham Board Game and Roleplaying Club hosted a fundraiser in support of a local mental health charity.

Over the weekend, a group of local gamers hosted a 24 hour gaming marathon in support of Pepper's- A Safe Space.

Pepper's is a mental health charity with hubs in Oakham and Melton Mowbray. They run friendly and welcoming drop-in sessions and wellbeing activities for any adults who may be struggling with their mental health.

Games were enjoyed and over £1,000 raised for a Rutland-based charity this weekend. Image credit: Oakham Board Game and Roleplaying Club

All adults are welcome to join the Pepper's community and take a break, socialise, combat isolation, have fun and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee.

Development Manager, Pippa Gorman, said: "Loneliness is something that I'm sure we have all struggled with, especially throughout the pandemic. But many live with it everyday. We want to bring the community together, with a shared, safe and welcoming space for all, to chat, socialise, have fun and be less alone." 

On Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 August 2023, the gaming group who meet regularly at Pepper's in Oakham welcomed members of the community to join them for a 24-hour gaming marathon and hosted a prize-packed raffle to raise money for the mental heath and wellbeing hub.

The group meet all year round and welcome new members. Image credit: Oakham Board Game and Roleplaying Club

At the incredibly successful event, the team welcomed attendees from across the community, shared their love of gaming and raised a whopping £1,201.97 for Pepper's- A Safe Place.

Members of the community and local gamers joined the fun. Image credit: Oakham Board Game and Roleplaying Club.

The team said: "Well, we did it! £1,201.97 has been raised by Oakham Board Game & Roleplaying Club in aid of Pepper's- A Safe Place.

"And, not meaning to massage our own ego, but we think that's pretty impressive for a little community club!

"Our amazing and dedicated club members survived (and let's be honest, enjoyed!) their 24 gaming marathon, and our gaming open day was a huge success - even with the abysmal weather!

"The awesome electric guitar kindly donated by Moonflower Guitars Ltd was won by Tracy Major, who despite being camera shy herself, did convince her other half to step into the spot light.

"They informed us that the guitar will be given to their daughter, who I'm sure will absolutely love it!"

One lucky winner bagged the big prize of a guitare from Moonflower, Mill Street, Rutland. Image credit: Oakham Board Game and Roleplaying Club

They continued: "Thank you ever so much to all the kind and generous businesses and individuals that donated prizes, including Excellence Physio, Gates Garden Centre, Quirky Bird Gifts, Quality Discounts, The Emily Redding Dance Academy, Warners Traditional Sweet Shop, Oakham Wines, One Stop - Barleythorpe, Caffè Nero, Walkers Bookshops, Pollen Floristry, OneStop Church Road and Alex Noble and Chelle Pugh.

"Thank you to Curios and Clobber for providing some amazing balloon displays to help showcase and celebrate our 1st anniversary!"

"And, a final thank you to the local businesses who supported our fundraising gamers by providing well deserved food & drinks throughout the 24 hours: Costa Coffee, Tesco, The Lord Nelson, Castle Cottage Cafe, Lily and Honey Bakery and Melton Bargain Food Warehouse.

"We love community and, Oakham, you did us all proud!"

All are welcome. Image credit: Oakham Board Game and Roleplaying Club

Congratulations to all involved.

Check out more events going on across Rutland on our What's On page.