Oakham mental health charity Peppers have been chosen as this year's Mayoral charity by the town's new Mayor and Mrs Mayor Zoë and Rachel Nealson.

Both Zoë and Rachel wanted to work directly with a charity who support the mental health of people in Oakham, and Pepper's, with their centrally located meeting place and ethos of promoting positive mental health seemed the ideal partners.

Zoe posted on Facebook: "At Peppers - a safe place, there is no charge, no agenda and no pressure. Just an opportunity to meet a friendly face, take some time out to improve your mental health and look after your mind.

"Peppers already has many things going on, there are adult drop-in sessions on a Tuesday and Thursday as well as a parent and baby drop in session on a Thursday every week.

"They currently have a photography competition running which is open to anyone to join and they are holding a cake sale and raffle at Oakham Market on Wednesday 12th and Saturday 15th May."

Every year the Mayor of Oakham selects a local charity to support, fundraise and raise awareness for.

When he was elected Mayor David Romney and the Mayoress Di Smith chose to support and promote Sunflowers and recently they handed over a cheque for £2,700 to group co-ordinator Sarah Vendyback.

Sunflowers, also fondly known as sunnies, are a small charity who offer support to families who have children under 5 with additional needs.

Sunnies offer support during their weekly sessions which are based at Oakham C of E primary school during term time. Covid has unfortunately stopped any sessions from taking place currently but organisers and volunteers have kept families supported virtually as much as they can.

Zoe continued: "When David and Di first met with Sunflowers they were overwhelmed both by the commitment of the group and the difference that the sessions made to the families attending. They asked the group how best they could be supported and the clear answer was to raise their profile, to help to recruit volunteers and to raise funds.

"The Mayor and Mayoress quickly set about organising fundraising activities including a charity motorcycle ride, selling bric a brac from their garage and at local events, holding a Christmas Carol service where the collection was kindly donated to sunnies (thank you Reverend Griffiths) and hosting a dinner dance with a raffle!

"David and Di not only shared and advertised information to encourage volunteers to join sunflowers, Di began volunteering at the weekly support sessions herself. Since Di joined the team two others have also joined, one as a direct result of the details David had been sharing."

Zoe added: "The Mayor and Mayoress have strived wherever possible to promote and advertise the brilliant work of the charity and the support they provide. David and Di wish continued success to sunnies and the amazing team of volunteers who all deserve our praise and support."

If you would like to learn more about the charity sunflowers you can email [email protected]