Group Sessions
Building freindships through gaming
Purpose:
development in growing their confidence, self-esteem and social interactions. Groups are
only open to MindJam mentees who are currently accessing or have accessed one-to-one
sessions.
Minecraft (Bedrock or Java), Roblox and Fortnite.
based on similar games, interests, ages and gender (if specified).
Cost:
sessions and £25 (+VAT) for funded sessions.
Waiting List:
to match 4 young people together on the aforementioned information. As a result, we are
unable to provide a timeframe as to when your young person will be matched; it is
dependent on a number of different factors.
Mentor Choice:
reliant on the mentor putting themselves forward for group sessions. Please check with your
young person’s mentor before doing so.
Declaration:
have put as much in place as we can to stop this being a possibility but we cannot guarantee
it won’t happen. If you feel this would impact your young person negatively, please make us
aware. We also recommend informing your young person after the group is confirmed. The
space will be kept open for you for 4 weeks.
Sign Up:
Meet the Team
Libby Shelton
Hello! My name is Libby and I am the Groups Lead for MindJam Groups. As an administrator for MindJam Groups, I work behind the scenes to ensure all communication matters run smoothly. My role primarily consists of communicating with parents, mentors and other professionals to scheduling and managing logistics.
By carefully coordinating and troubleshooting scheduling challenges, I work to ensure availability aligns across different time zones, managing ongoing adjustments and accommodating last minute changes. By maintaining an open line of communication with both parents and mentors, I help create a seamless, organized and enjoyable experience for both mentees and parents whilst ensuring all things admin go well and all queries are answered promptly.
Hearing from parents about their young person building connections and enjoying their group sessions is what makes this role so rewarding!
Zahra Mosawi
Hello! My name is Zahra, I am the Assigning Lead for MindJam Groups. My role is to put together the perfect group for children to socialize and play video games together in a fun, engaging and inclusive environment. My goal is to create balanced and enjoyable social experiences by considering interests, preferences, communicative and social dynamics, taking all things important to you and your young person into consideration to make the most of their group sessions!
I believe that gaming is more than just entertainment, it’s an opportunity for kids to develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills while making new friends. By thoughtfully assigning groups, I hope to bring you a positive, supportive and well-balanced group, facilitated by one of our amazing mentors that could be a gateway towards building
lifelong friendships!
Groups FAQ’s
What are MindJam Group Sessions? MindJam Group Sessions are a service where young people can engage with other young people in a safe group led by a MindJam mentor. These sessions are intended to help young people grow their confidence, self-esteem, and social interactions.
Who can join MindJam Group Sessions? Group sessions are only available to MindJam mentees who are currently accessing or have accessed one-to-one sessions.
What games are played in the groups? Groups will be based on the three most common games used in MindJam sessions: Minecraft (Bedrock or Java), Roblox, and Fortnite.
How are the groups organised? Groups will be run by skilled MindJam mentors and will consist of 3 or 4 young people . They will be formed based on similar games, interests, ages, and gender (if specified).
How much do Group Sessions cost? Group sessions are 1 hour weekly sessions and cost £24 (including VAT) for privately paid sessions and £25 (+VAT) for funded sessions.
Is there a waiting list for group sessions? No, MindJam does not operate a waiting list for group sessions. Groups will be formed when they are able to match 3-4 young people together based on similar games, interests, ages, and gender (if specified).
How long will it take to match a group? This is very difficult to say as it depends on a number of different factors, specifically finding 2 or 3 other young people with similar profiles. As a result, MindJam is unable to provide a timeframe as to when your young person will be matched.
Can we request a specific mentor for the group? Yes, you may request your young person’s one-to-one mentor to be their group mentor. However, this is dependent on the mentor putting themselves forward for group sessions. It is recommended to check with your young person’s mentor before making this request. It may also significantly increase the waiting time.
Is it possible that a group session might not go ahead even after being contacted? Yes, there is a potential that you will be contacted about a group that may not go ahead. MindJam has put measures in place to prevent this, but they cannot guarantee it won’t happen. If you feel this would negatively impact your young person, you should make MindJam aware. They also recommend informing your young person after the group is confirmed. The space will be kept open for you for 4 weeks.
How can I sign up for group sessions? If you would like to sign up for group sessions, please email groups@mindjam.org.uk.
Why does my child need to be with MindJam for 3 months before they can do group sessions? There are a few reasons for this 3-month wait. Firstly, it allows the young person to get used to how MindJam works. Secondly, MindJam believes group sessions are an additional stage of development and complement one-to-one sessions, rather than replacing them. Finally, it allows the group mentor to approach the one-to-one mentor for guidance on your young person’s gaming taste/experience if needed.
FAQ'S
For answers to our most commonly asked questions regarding sessions, please visit the FAQs page.
Benefits of Gaming
Read our guide to the benefits of gaming, that looks at current research around health and wellbeing.
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