This week, I have been reflecting a lot on WHY I’m undertaking this project.

The Community Tech Discovery Fund programme ‘officially!’ started this week. I began the reading from our first email from CAST. One part of it, was five questions to reflect on for our next meeting. One part stuck with me. Understand the problem first. Then keep asking yourself WHY and get deep into it.

It was in the back of my mind constantly, and when I was interviewing for technical experts for server development, and explaining the project over and over from scratch, it really helped me open it up.

The project is – make a community minecraft server for children and young people with SEND and neurodiversities.

The problem is- There is a shortage of safe, inclusive, supportive spaces online where vulnerable young people can play safely and independently, but supported and safeguarded.

Why – A lot of the young people I know and who attend my sessions don’t have a lot or any friends to play online with.

Why – Their mental health has suffered and an outlet like Minecraft helps a LOT. And more so when played with friends.

Parents sometimes can’t get through the technical aspects of setting up the game and making sure its safe online. Parents just don’t want their vulnerable children playing online for safety reasons.

Children who might be closed to counselling and mentorship, find themselves building trust and relationships in Minecraft, and being open to support in this space.

Their enthusiasm and skills in the game around coding, circuits, architecture, design, engineering, team work and leadership are honed and are transferable skills, which might not get chance to shine in other environments, but Minecraft can open to the door to so many new experiences and opportunities.

But this isn’t only applicable to Minecraft, in my workshop company I have seen my Digital Music Production, circus skills, and hula hooping workshops all be that thing that resonates with some individuals, become transformational and change their lives for the better.

Having spoken with a few parents of children who are Minemania members this week, there is a need not just for the game playing itself but further support around counselling in the Minecraft environment, and a sense of belonging for the members.

Next Steps

Consult with specialised youth counsellors, SEND youth groups and parents. First interview with a youth counsellor is tomorrow.

Consider for staff training: Lego Therapy, which lends itself well to the Minecraft environment, and Minecraft for Educators

On the ‘for next year’ board – look at what other games our member youth and community groups service users want or do play online and can we support them to facilitate these games in their safeguarded area

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Mine Mania