We are a games server provider using Minecraft BEDROCK to help neurodiverse young people to thrive. Unlike other groups, we have a mix of young people with a range of issues and difficulties, and we aim to promote awareness and understanding of neurodivergent people. Our Minecraft server provides a safe space for young people to socialise, make new friends, follow their passions, develop their creativity, and improve their creativity, and improve their confidence and self-esteem.

On a weekly basis, we offer moderated creative sessions, small group sessions, one-to-one and Arts Award-based sessions. Through our experience in creative arts for wellbeing and existing activities and successes with Funtime Games, we are ideally placed to continue to support young people to build their mental health and wellbeing.

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Through the 2020 lockdowns, I realised that young people were struggling with the isolation and restrictions imposed on them. Both my children are neurodivergent and their usual socialising groups stopped. I noticed the negative effect the pandemic and periods of lockdown were having on their mental health and in particular their sudden lack of social interaction. Through my own use of online support groups for parents of neurodiverse children, I realised this was the case for many neurodivergent children, not just my own.

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This is how Funtime Games project was born. Both of my children are passionate about Minecraft (a creative video game) and my daughter, now 19, suggested we voluntarily set up a Minecraft server (a secure members-only online platform) as a way for young people to connect, form new friendships and socialise online. Three years on, that server has become so much more than we ever expected with a mix of neurodivergent and neurotypical young people. We recently introduced a small membership fee to ensure that our group has members who are accessing our service.

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Melanie x

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