North Tyneside Gamers – An insider’s insight

This month we talk to Sean Blackhall from our Gosforth office, who is a trustee of North Tyneside Gamers. 

What’s it all about?

North Tyneside Gamers is a not-for-profit club dedicated to improving mental wellbeing within the community. We provide a welcoming and inclusive space for anyone interested in tabletop gaming, board games, or hobby-related activities. Our events have included painting tutorials and competitions, game tournaments, and organised leagues. We also arrange regular trips to major board gaming conventions in Harrogate, Stockton, and Gateshead, giving members opportunities to connect with the wider gaming community and experience new games and events.

How long have you been formed?

The club was established in early 2024 by my brother-in-law, with its first session taking place in late February. A £1,000 start-up grant was used to purchase tables, cover the initial venue hire costs, and begin building a small library of board games.

A few months later, the club was awarded a further £10,000 grant from North Tyneside Council. This funding enabled us to significantly expand our board game library, purchase additional gaming equipment and supplies, and secure venue hire for the next two years. We also invested part of the funding in upgrading the church kitchen, providing improved facilities that can be enjoyed by all the groups that use the space.

How did you get involved?

When I first joined the club, they had a relatively small game library. As I already owned a wide variety of games, I volunteered to bring them along, host sessions, and teach the rules to new and existing members. As the club grew, I was invited to become a trustee. In that role, I continue to host and teach games each week.

Tell us about your sessions

We typically have between 10 and 30 attendees each week. 

The club meets every Tuesday from 6:00pm to 11:00pm at St Paul's Church, Dudley. We welcome people of all ages, abilities, and levels of experience, from complete beginners to seasoned gamers.

Throughout each evening, experienced members host a variety of games, explaining the rules, objectives, and gameplay before each session and providing guidance throughout so that everyone can join in with confidence. For those who prefer something different, we also have open tables where members can choose from our extensive game library and play at their own pace.

Around once a month, we hold a dedicated hobby evening, offering a more relaxed setting where members can bring along miniatures, models, or other creative projects to paint and work on while enjoying good company and conversation. 

How do we find out more?

You can find us on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/northtynesidegamers/