Brad Girvan

Brad Girvan

Mentor

Hi I’m Brad, I’m a dad of two young boys and have been a gamer from a young age. I have a background in social care, supporting neurodivergent individuals with complex learning difficulties, Autism and mental health issues. During this time I have gained different skills and support strategies to help individuals through the issues they experience on a day to day basis. 

When I first heard about MindJam, I was immediately interested as it resonated with me personally. As a young child, and into my late teens I was very isolated and did not have many friends in the ‘real world’. I used video games to build connections I felt I was missing at the time. It also gave me a place I felt safe and comfortable, friends that I could talk to about things that were troubling me with no expectations other than to be decent at the game we were playing. In my experience, gaming helps people come together to develop meaningful connections as well as teaching valuable life lessons and skills in a variety of areas, showcasing the positive impact gaming can have on individuals.

I am a naturally calm and reflective person who is able to adapt to change, and work through challenging circumstances with positive outcomes. I have a personal and professional understanding of mental health, how this can lead to unbalance and dysregulation, and the benefits of individualised emotional support and guidance during these times. I believe that everyone deserves a chance in life to find something meaningful to them and work towards their goals in achieving these, no matter how big or small. I am looking forward to working with each individual to help them recognise their potential within our MindJam sessions.

I have a passion for gaming but I have other interests such as bushcraft, wild camping, nature walks, hill walking, audiobooks, music and concerts, film and movies, anime, brazilian jiu jitsu and spending time with family and friends.

I am fully DBS checked and hold several relevant training certificates including, Safeguarding, Online Safety for Teaching Staff, Understanding Anxiety and Stress In Children and Young People, Data Protection and GDPR.

 

Favourite Games

Halo series, Elder Scrolls series, Fallout series, Zelda BOTW/TOTK, Baldur’s Gate 3, God of War, The Last of Us 1&2, Red Dead 1&2, Insomniac Spiderman Games, Mass Effect series, Dragon age series.

Hobbies

Wild Camping, Bushcraft, Hill Walking, Cinema, Anime, Audiobooks, Music.

My Pets

Toph (ginger cat), Millie (Tabby Cat).

 

We'd love to hear from you.

If you would like our team to get in touch with you to discuss how we can help you and your young people through our services, please feel free to fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch as soon as possible to talk you through enrolling with one of our mentors or counsellors

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