D&D can help with mental health - event organiser

Role-playing game sessions are being offered in bid to improve people's mental health in Cornwall.

Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) sessions for adults are being held monthly at Truro Methodist Church.

Organisers Cornwall Dungeons and Dragons are starting a session for players aged 10 and over at the same venue later in July and also plan to hold games online and at other locations in the future.

Alex Delaney, from the group, said playing the game online during the Covid pandemic stopped him feeling lonely and he believed D&D could bring mental health benefits to others.

D&D is a fantasy game that involves players forming an adventuring party to take on quests.

One player takes on the role of a story teller known as the Dungeon Master or DM who helps lead the other players through the game.

Mr Delaney, a professional game designer who lives in Newquay, said costs of the sessions would only cover venue hire and travelling costs for himself.

He said the first session had already proved to be beneficial for players, who told him the game helped alleviate anxiety they had been feeling.

Mr Delaney said: "Since shielding and lockdowns have ended, D&D continues to be a lifeline for many.

"For some, it’s the only time they leave the house and meet other people all week.

"For others, it’s the one thing they have to look forward to and it gives them the resilience to cope with work and other life challenges."

• The BBC Action line has information and support if you have been affected by issues in this article

Follow BBC Cornwall on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.