Service categories: Counselling and therapies, Schools and education providers, Support groups, social programs and branches

Service URL: https://www.mindjam.org.uk

At MindJam our primary focus is to support young people’s emotional well-being. We believe that the key to doing so is by engaging them in a world in which they feel safe and comfortable, namely video games. We support young people between the ages 6 – 25.

Our mentors’ shared passion for gaming provides a platform to build a trusting, long-lasting relationship from which we can support their individual needs, whether emotional or SEN. All mentors are experienced and trained in supporting neurodivergent individuals including autistic young people and other additional needs such as PDA, ADHD, anxiety, stress and trauma.

Support can take many different forms; it can be playing Fortnite, Minecraft or Roblox. Or through developing a digital skill such as game design, 3D design, digital art, animation, music editing or video editing. However, our focus for all mentees is the same – to support their emotional wellbeing. These activities are great for relieving stress, anxiety and providing emotional regulation and have been shown to greatly benefit mental health and cognitive development.

The future is becoming increasingly digital and it is a world in which young people increasingly feel at home. By harnessing the benefits of digital entertainment/creative platforms, we want to support young people with aspects of life they find difficult, in an environment they feel comfortable. We source the very best mentors who are passionate about gaming and technology, and are skilled in connecting with young people.

We work together with families, support networks, schools, councils and mental health professionals to provide the right support to each individual.

Through online 1-to-1 sessions, MindJam provides mentorship and guidance to young people to support their emotional needs and SEN identity through positive, non-judgemental and low-demand sessions. MindJam also supports parents and young people through our online Counselling service.

We are proud to be an approved provision for many local authorities around the UK and work with the schools, specialist provisions and families to provide support to young people when they need it most.

Aimed at: Adolescent , Anyone with an Association to Autism, Child , Children under the age of 12 years, children with complex needs and their parents or carers, Parent/carer of a child, Parent/carer of a young person, Young person

Referral Sources: Education, NHS and Private, Yourself

Specialisms: Autism, Autism and Neurodivergent , Has autism-specific elements, Learning disability, Staff and volunteers get autism awareness training