Having worked with young people for over 40 years, I have found one of the most effective tools I have in my locker is a humble set of Dobble cards.
Working 1-1 as a Youth Mentor is extremely rewarding and over time, strong bonds usually develop. At the start however, it is important to build up a connection. My secret weapon is games!
Games not only keep my mentoring sessions relaxed and fun but also bring about a number of other benefits e.g., enhancing memory, boosting energy, reducing stress, building perseverance and patience, and strengthening bonds.
A clinical review conducted by ‘Xceptional Learning’ earlier this year, describes how games can play a pivotal role in a child’s development, helping them build essential social, behavioural, and developmental skills.
Whether you are 6 or 60, I have found that games have the power to connect us. I recently met a young person who I was initially struggling to connect with, however once I started to introduce games to the sessions, their whole demeanor changed. They started to relax and began laughing and joking, and the barriers suddenly came down.
Do not underestimate the power and joy of using different games.
What games do you love to play?
Helen Abbott, Change Direction Youth Mentor, Harrogate