Rutland Choral Society concert at Normanton Church raises more than £500 for Oakham mental health centre

A choir’s sell-out concert has provided a cash boost to a volunteer-led charity helping to combat loneliness.

Rutland Choral Society put on a carol concert at Normanton Church to raise funds for mental health charity, Pepper’s - A Safe Place.

It was the second December running that Anglian Water had invited the group to perform at the Rutland Water venue to boost funds raised for charity.

Pepper’s received £400 in proceeds from the concert as well as just shy of £120 in donations from audience members.

The charity, which has a centre in Oakham High Street, runs free drop-in sessions open to any adults struggling with their mental health or isolation, offering a cuppa and a chance to meet new people.

It also hosts additional activities, from cookery and art classes to tai chi sessions, music making, first-aid training and film nights.

“As a small charity we rely on volunteers and local donations to keep our doors open,” said operations manager, Pippa Gorman.

“The funds raised by the choir will have a great impact on the local support we offer, helping to keep our activities running and allowing us to look at new ideas that can benefit our community.

“We are incredibly grateful to Rutland Choral Society for choosing to support us this year and with such a beautifully festive event.”

Pepper’s is open in Oakham on Mondays from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, Tuesdays from 10.30am to 12.30pm, and on Thursdays from 1pm to 3pm.