AMAN who as diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at the age of eight is launching a new tabletop gaming club.

Rob Popham, who lives in Norton, is setting up the‘Ryedale Tabletop Gaming Group’, which will be based at the town’s library.

The 20-year-old had just completed a three-year degree course at Huddersfield university where he was able to join the Huddersfield Tabletop Society which was a new group at the time.

Rob said he had done a bit of tabletop roleplaying while at school and this helped by being with others who had similar interests. The group has also helped with socialisation and communication skills.

“I’ve been involved for a number of years with Ryedale Special Families and it has been great to be a part of a group where you can be yourself and don’t need to pretend,” he added.

“ It is my hope to build on this to help adults on the spectrum to be able to come along to a safe environment and socialise with others while at the same time learning new socialisation skills.”

The Ryedale Tabletop Gaming Group will have a couple of options to start with, there will be board games as well as a tabletop roleplaying game which includes a Storyteller crafting

Rob said: “The group welcomes both experienced and novice players and we are particularly keen to from those who would like to run a tabletop campaign.”

The group will meet on Saturday afternoons at Norton Hive Library & Community Hub starting on June 24. If you would like more information you can message the group through Facebook page or email Rob at popham53@yahoo.co.uk

Rob will also be at the library on Thursday, June 22, between 10am -12pm and 3pm-6pm, for those interested to find out more.

The group has secured initial start-up funding from North Yorkshire County Council’s Stronger Communities fund and has been set up with support from Jo Oliver, who works as a Totally Socially Locality Worker for Coast and Vale Community Action.

During the first month, the group will be free. Following this membership will be £3 per session, £10 for a month, £40 for six months, or £60 for a year.