Children with Additional Learning Needs to Benefit from Innovative Minecraft Mental Health and Wellbeing Programme
This summer, children with additional learning needs will receive creative mental health and wellbeing support through an exciting new programme. The programme will use Minecraft as a supportive tool, helping participants access support in a familiar and engaging environment.
NeuroPathways, part of Health is One, has received funding from Swansea Local Authority to deliver Minecraft-based mental health and wellbeing activities during the summer holidays. The programme is expected to support more than 30 children and young people.
The funding follows a successful pilot programme earlier this year. The pilot used Minecraft to help children access emotional and mental health and wellbeing support in a familiar, relaxed and engaging space.
Building on the results of the pilot, the programme will return this summer, giving more children and young people the opportunity to explore emotions, build confidence and connect with others through online activities within the Minecraft platform.
The activities will be led by professionally trained staff and will incorporate therapeutic techniques including emotional scaling, story-building and co-regulation. These approaches will help participants develop their confidence, communication and problem-solving skills.
NeuroPathways will also work with specialist practitioner and trainer Ellie Finch, who has a longstanding focus on digital therapeutic approaches and game-based therapeutic practice.
Emma Davies, Head of NeuroPathways at Health is One, said:
“Many children, particularly neurodivergent children or those with additional learning needs, may find it difficult to access or engage with traditional forms of support.
“However, this pilot showed us what is possible when we connect with children in ways that work for them. Seeing children who may struggle in traditional settings come alive through a simple game, collaborating, communicating and gradually building confidence, was incredibly encouraging for our whole team. This approach is innovative and evidence-based, and it is exactly the direction in which we want NeuroPathways to continue developing.”
Ellie Finch, Head of PlayMode Academy, said:
“Minecraft can offer children a creative space where they can communicate and explore their experiences without having to rely entirely on spoken language. For some children, particularly those who have not been fully supported by traditional approaches, this can be genuinely transformative.
“When used safely and ethically, digital games can meet children in environments where they feel most confident and comfortable, while continuing to support therapeutic goals.”
Cllr Rebecca Fogarty, Cabinet Member for Community Support at Swansea Council, said:
“This is a great example of how funding through our ‘Support for You This Summer’ programme can help groups and organisations deliver activities and programmes that are right for all young people in Swansea.
“I hope that everyone taking part continues to enjoy these fresh and innovative activities and grows through the experience.”
Feedback from several families involved in the pilot also highlighted the positive impact the activities had on children’s confidence, enjoyment of participation and sense of connection.
One parent shared:
“Usually, my son’s mood and interaction levels fluctuate a lot when he is online. He can be happy one minute and crying the next. So hearing him laughing throughout the whole session was genuinely such a relief and a comfort.”
Another parent added:
“I really wish activities like this could happen every week.”
The additional funding will enable NeuroPathways to continue working with Ellie Finch to provide innovative, accessible and more inclusive mental health and wellbeing support for more children with additional learning needs.
