Fun and Games for Ten Whole Years!
- Eva C
- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read
It was a cold and rainy night and I was late to Activate Mental Health’s 10th Anniversary Games Night. I was coming from work and ran through the rain in the carpark into the light of the Victoria Park Community Centre. It was cosy and everyone was deep into different board games: Monopoly, Blokus, Rhymes with Duck, UNO No Mercy. The diversity of games was astounding, all laid out on the tables in the middle. I won’t lie as it was my first board games night, I was a little nervous and was reminded of attending my first Meet-Up all those years ago now. But then I saw regulars from the Silent Book Club I run with Mel, Mel herself running the rhyming duck game and I bumped into Doyle. He was so kind and gave me a mini tour of the room and what board games everyone was playing. I remember the intense Blokus game, the lively duck crew and feeling less nervous.
Just as I was about to sit down to a game of Tsuro (game of the path on the box or game of the wind according to Doyle), speeches started. Rahul got up and I noticed for the first time his amazing car-like crocs (I was also listening to the speeches). From AMH testimonies of connection to congratulating long-term board games night attendees and volunteers with gift cards, Rahul’s speech really uplifted the community he has put so much hard work into creating. As Rahul said if board games night was the only thing he had achieved in the ten years of AMH’s journey he would be more than happy and I can see why: the room was full of warmth, laughter and connection. Mayor Karen Vernon spoke next about the power of local communities and how in each local government there are pockets of people coming together and doing good. The Town of Victoria Park is a generous sponsor of our beloved games nights and we all grateful to show the local council what we can do when we come together and create. Rahul and AMH in Victoria Park are an example of this community and connection. Mayor Vernon, who shared her speech straight from the middle of an intense game of UNO No Mercy, generously gave Rahul a giftcard to celebrate AMH’s 10th birthday, speaking highly of his work and the need to celebrate our community. Rahul accepted gladly and said he would use the gift to buy more board games.
Instead of cake we had Krispy Kremes, a tradition started by Rahul’s mum for earlier anniversary board games nights. I had the strawberry sprinkle one as it looked straight out of the Simpsons. Needless to say, it was delicious. The night moved on and I found myself taking part in a game of Blokus. I love this game with its brightly coloured tiles and although I came third, I am already planning my comeback for next month. I met new people, caught up with old friends and played more games. People told me the Activate Mental Health games nights are a great reason to get out on a Saturday night and make new friends. And when Rahul had to call time on the night and interrupt at least six different board games, I knew I could not have agreed more.
Links below for more ways to support Activate Mental Health for the next ten years and beyond!
🧑💻 Join our Meetup Group, including the upcoming September board games night!
