Building Community Through Storytelling: How Our Grant Helped Pens and Dragons CIC in Brightlingsea
- tudwickfoundation
- Nov 12
- 2 min read
At The Tudwick Foundation, we believe that small grants can have a big impact — especially when they help create spaces where people can connect, belong, and grow. One recent example that illustrates this is our support for Pens and Dragons CIC, a community organisation dedicated to using games, creativity, and storytelling to bring people together.
With our grant, Pens and Dragons CIC was able to cover their rent for three months - August, September, and October, ensuring their community space remained open and accessible. During this period, the centre came to life with an incredible 130 sessions:
67 sessions for children, focused mainly on Dungeons & Dragons and other storytelling games that build teamwork, problem-solving, and imagination.
23 sessions for all ages, including open access days and a wargaming club that encouraged young people to engage with positive adult role models.
40 sessions for adults, ranging from Dungeons & Dragons to a thriving card game night that became so popular it shifted from fortnightly to weekly.
In addition, extra sessions were offered during school holidays, particularly for secondary-school-aged children providing safe and engaging activities.
The impact goes far beyond numbers. The centre has become a welcoming environment where participants can connect, express themselves, and form lasting friendships. Many adults who first attended as participants are now volunteering, helping others discover the same sense of belonging they found.
A highlight of the summer was a community BBQ, a joyful celebration of the friendships and shared creativity that have grown through Pens and Dragons.
We’re proud that our funding helped make this possible. What might seem like just rent payments actually supported a vital community hub combating loneliness, nurturing creativity, and giving people a voice.
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