Hello there, I’m Mat! With a lifelong passion for gaming and a deep understanding of neurodivergence, I’m proud to be part of MindJam’s mission to support young people through creativity, connection, and play.

My gaming journey began many years ago with the Amstrad CPC 464 and has spanned every generation since. From Dungeons & Dragons and Diablo to The Elder Scrolls, Super Mario, Mario Kart, and The Legend of Zelda, gaming has always been a constant and comforting presence in my life. As an only child growing up with undiagnosed ADHD and possible AuDHD, games provided structure, imagination, and a safe space to explore and grow. Today, I see how those same virtual worlds can become powerful tools for communication, emotional regulation, and confidence building, particularly for neurodivergent children.

I’ve seen this firsthand in my own life. I have shared meaningful connection with a young autistic family member through games like Minecraft, LEGO Star Wars, and Farming Simulator, which are spaces where understanding and trust develop naturally. Earlier in life, while working at a video game store, I created and ran a free after-school gaming club for local children from lower-income families. This project offered access to consoles and games, but more importantly, it provided a welcoming environment to socialise, collaborate, and build friendships.

Professionally, I bring over 16 years of experience as an Emergency Call Handler with the Police, where I worked in the Force Control Room responding to both emergency and non-emergency incidents. This role honed my ability to remain calm under pressure, assess risk, and provide reassurance, help, and support to vulnerable and emotional service users. It also strengthened my skills in safeguarding, negotiation, conflict resolution, suicide prevention, and data protection.

Outside of mentoring, I’m a keen gamer and I enjoy tabletop strategy board games and role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons. I collect anime, manga, and frisbees. I also enjoy mountain biking and walking. I am a dedicated volunteer for Oxfam as a Festival Steward and a charity fundraiser. I have a love of history, particularly ancient civilizations, and a lifelong affection for animals, especially cats. I have two playful adult cats and one kitten who recently joined our happy family. They all like to make their presence known when I am gaming.

At MindJam, I’m passionate about creating a safe, low-pressure, and positive environment where young people can explore their feelings, build confidence, and connect through shared interests. I believe that through games, creativity, and empathy, we can help every young person find their own sense of belonging, balance, and joy.