The NSPCC has teamed up with the Bedford Blues, who are supporting the charity’s latest campaign – The Really Big Board Game Day, and are appealing to people across Bedford to stage an event and help make the day a regular in the social calendar.

If you’re a Monopoly fanatic, an Operation obsessive or a Buckaroo evangelist, then why not get a few friends, neighbours or colleagues together to play your favourite board games on Friday 15 May, and you can help to protect childhoods from abuse and neglect.

NSPCC fundraising manager Sally Phipps said; “All it takes are some classic board games, a place to play on Friday 15 May – whether that’s in your lunch break or any other time of the day - and a spirit of friendly, competitive fun. And hey presto, you’ve got a Really Big Board Game Day to remember!

Sally continued; “Why not make your Really Big Board Game Day even more of a winner by baking some cakes and other goodies and selling them on the day? Or you could organise a tournament – put team vs team and get your workplace, local pub or other business to donate a prize.

And with a suggested donation of £5 for everyone who takes part in your really Big Board Game event, you could help us to rebuild the lives of vulnerable children through our play therapy service. Play is a natural way for children to express themselves. They can safely work through past experiences and come to understand and move on from what has happened.”

The NSPCC’s play therapy service works with boys and girls aged 4 to 17, and their families, using activities such as messy play, writing, storytelling and art to help the children to express feelings that they can’t put into words.

Mike Rayer, Bedford Blues Director of Rugby, said: "We are delighted to be able to support the NSPCC with their Big Board Game event and would encourage as many people as possible to get behind this wonderful cause. The work that the NSPCC does is well documented and donations - no matter how big or small - go a long way in making life better for young people and their families."

The Really Big Board Game Day is being supported by leading board-game producers, Hasbro. Kay Green, Hasbro UK Marketing Director said; “We are delighted to be partnering the NSPCC with this initiative, and hope that people up and down the country get behind it and raise vital funds which could support the charity’s play therapy work.”

To find out more about the NSPCC Really Big Board Game Day and to register for a fundraising pack, log on to www.nspcc.org.uk and search Really Big Board Game Day.