About Us

I stumbled upon Pepper’s and I was nervous to attend as it was a new place to me. On my first visit, I arrived early and was shown around by the centre manager. I then left and came back when the session started and I’ve been visiting Pepper’s ever since.

What I love about Pepper’s is that it makes me very happy. On the days that I attend, I wake up very excited! It’s a Pepper’s Day!😊

I never thought I would say this as I’m a recluse, but Pepper’s has given me a sense of community – the staff and volunteers are extremely friendly, and make me feel comfortable and a valued member of society.

I usually attend the art classes and I’ve achieved things that I’ve never achieved before. Often with art, you think you can’t produce something, but at Pepper’s there is no pressure and you can achieve just by attending. You don’t have to be there for the whole session, you can drop in or out. You don’t even have to do the art if you don’t want to.

I don’t know what I would do without Pepper’s. I’m new to the area and through Pepper’s, people say hello to me in the town. These are participants I’ve met at Pepper’s. This brightens up my day.

I’m always happy to share the work that Pepper’s does and thank you to ‘Mrs Pepper’ who left the funds to start this – I’ll always look at ‘peppers’ in a different light.

I really enjoy coming to sessions at Pepper's. The people are cheerful here and I like to have a laugh with the friends I've made. It took me a while to build up the courage to come but my GP recommended that it would help me, and he was right. The centre manager and volunteers made me feel welcome. My GP always asks me if I still attend sessions and I tell him, 'Yes, I am very happy there'.

It’s somewhere I go to weekly. It has become a part  of my weekly regime.  It’s a place to be social, to relax, to be myself. No one judges me for what I am or who I want to be. There is a friendly, almost a family atmosphere but its kept low key. I have gained some DIY and social skills whilst at Pepper’s. I have also been offered volunteer positions through Pepper’s amazing contacts in the local community. Pepper's is the one thing that Rutland has lacked for so long so please do support Pepper's. It’s a way of securing a safe place to go for those who have troubled times.”

Pepper’s- A Safe Place is a bunch of like-minded, friendly people. It is where you can rest/ chat and just feel good... Coming to Pepper’s is what keeps me going and helps me get through the week.”