A new community initiative, Tactic North East, is putting a tactical twist on Sunderland's gaming by introducing a packed programme of gaming activities, helped by a grant from a pot of over £200,000 by Sunderland BID.

The community interest company, located at Back Norfolk Street, Sunniside, engages enthusiasts in everything from Warhammer and Scrabble to Lord of the Rings and Cluedo.

The space houses six gaming tables and regularly hosts gaming tournaments and social nights, where people can enjoy the games, learn new ones, and make friends in a safe and inclusive setting.

Chris Whyte, the man behind the venue, said: "There is a large gaming community in the North East and part of that demographic is young people - some trans, some neurodivergent, some experiencing mental health difficulties."

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He explained how these individuals would have no other place for their hobby, or would need to travel to locations like Newcastle, if it weren’t for Tactic North East.

Mr Whyte said: "We recognised that there was a need and that there were young people who were lonely, isolated and had nowhere else to find like-minded friends, so we opened the venue."

The initiative has grown to provide services like 'paint and play' days and gaming socials, courtesy of Sunderland BID's financial support.

Tactic North East recently received £5,000 from a pot of £202,253 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) following a successful Sunderland BID application - a part of the wider Sunniside Activation programme.

Sunderland BID chief executive, Sharon Appleby, said "This is exactly the sort of initiative the Sunniside Activation programme was designed to encourage.

"There are gaming socials at the Gallery every Monday evening, tabletop gaming sessions on Wednesdays, both held from 6pm to 10pm, and gaming every Sunday between 10am and 4pm.

The pricing system operates on three tiers from free up to £5, depending on what members of the public are able to pay.