welcoming safe spaces
These sessions are different to our usual in-person meet-ups. They are inclusive social drop ins. We invite parents/carers and their young people to come along and make use of our games, (like a mini boardgame café) with volunteers on hand to recommend games, give hints and tips and perhaps host a game but we want families to make use of the space together. Over 13s are welcome to attend with friends and make use of the games on their own! When we're up and running we will be able to offer more tailored sessions e.g. 'home educated/out of school' sessions on weekdays, 'Neurodivergent' specific sessions (sensory sensitive), 'solo gamers' socials for over 13s to join a game with their peers etc.
These first sessions are open to everyone!
See below for more info about 'Games for Good'.
Games for Good
Introducing our new game campaign.
In a world where connection often lives behind screens, we are bringing it back to the table.
Free to attend!
Kindly funded by Northern Customer and Community Improvement Fund!
What’s Games for Good About?
We will be running welcoming, low pressure board game events designed especially for:
- Neurodivergent young people
- Home school families
- Teens who find typical social spaces overwhelming
- Anyone feeling isolated or who prefers strategy over small talk
Why Board Games?
They provide:
- Clear rules and structure which can reduce social anxiety
- Shared focus so eye contact and small talk are optional
- Turn taking and cooperation in a natural, low-pressure way
- Predictable interactions that feel safe and manageable
- Achievement and mastery which builds confidence
For many young people, especially those who are autistic, ADHD, anxious, or shy, games create connection without the spotlight.
You are not “making friends.”
You are defeating a boss together, trading sheep for wheat, solving a mystery or surviving a zombie apocalypse!
Mental Health Benefits
Research and experience show that tabletop gaming can:
- Reduce loneliness and social isolation
- Boost mood and emotional regulation
- Improve communication skills
- Strengthen problem solving and flexible thinking
- Create a sense of belonging
What Makes Our Events Different?
We design sessions with neurodivergent accessibility in mind:
- Sensory aware spaces
- Small group tables
- Simplified game guides and/or game explainers where possible
- Aids: card holders, mats to soften sound or make it easier to pick up cards from the table, silent dice shakers, player guides
- No forced participation
- Drop in and structured options
Contact us if you would like us to host a session at your group.
How can you help?
host a game or explain rules
host a game or explain rules
host a game or explain rules
Love games?
We need friendly facilitators to:
- Teach rules or provide assistance
- Create calm, inclusive spaces
- Help new players feel welcome
join our community
host a game or explain rules
host a game or explain rules
We need volunteers to help us run our programs effectively. Whether it's event planning or administrative tasks, making the teas and coffees or playing new games, your support can help us achieve our goals.
Donate Games
host a game or explain rules
Donate Games
We would love to have games for all ages and abilities so we would really appreciate any donations of:
- Strategy games
- Cooperative games
- Card games
- Party games
- Family friendly classics
Drop off at a session or email us 😀
.png/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:370,cg:true)
