A gaming group that provides a safe and inclusive space for gamers has received thousands of pounds from a business improvement district (BID).

Tactic North East in Sunderland provides a space for tabletop gamers to play, take part in tournaments and make models.

It has received £5,000 in funding from Sunderland BID so it can provide additional services including paint and play days as well as gaming social events.

Chris Whyte, who runs the venue, said gamers would have nowhere else to go to fulfil their hobby if Tactic North East did not exist.

“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,” he 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.”

Tactic North East is a community interest company based in Back Norfolk Street.

It provides gaming tables for those needing a space to play games including Warhammer, Lord of the Rings and traditional board games like Scrabble.

The funding has been given to the gaming group after Sunderland BID was awarded £202,253 from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The BID distributed the money through its Sunniside activation programme, which aims to build a sense of community in the area.

CEO Sharon Appleby said: “It’s a wonderful facility, not just for young gamers, but also for older members of the community who may be feeling a little lonely or isolated and enjoy spending an evening playing board games in a friendly, welcoming environment.”