GAMME
Groups, Active Monitoring and Mentoring for Children and Young People
GAMME (Groups, active monitoring and mentoring for children and young people) aims to support children and young people in reside in Warwick Town (CV34 area) with their mental health and wellbeing.
How can we help?
1. Group Sessions
Guided group sessions are led by a children and young people’s mental health link worker and supported by volunteers. The sessions are tailored to the individuals in the groups, pulling on the resources SWWMind has available as well as external support to run active sessions. The groups are set in either community or school locations throughout Warwick.
These small (approx. 8 people) group activities are conducted weekly, spanning over 4 – 6 sessions which may include music, drama, creative art and outdoor activities. Young people will develop their skills and interests within a framework of improving wellbeing and self-care and will also meet new people, build confidence, and feel part of something.
Examples of groups we are currently running:
- Coffee chat at a local sixth form, a chance for the students to share their experiences during the stressful exam period.
- Learning new skills sessions for year 6s getting ready to start secondary school, a chance to remind themselves that they are capable of learning something new as well as reassuring them that they all share similar worries and we can work through them. Crochet, code, drawing and cooking are examples of the activities we do.
- Supporting various ages through social skills sessions; developing key social skills as well as improving personal understanding of emotions to better communicate through games and crafts.
- Exam stress workshops for year 11s starting, providing coping strategies for anxiety and an outlet for discussing fears.
2. Active Monitoring
Active Monitoring is a short supported self-help based programme. The child or young person will be supported by a trusted adult for 6 weeks on a one-to-one basis to find ways to cope with anxiety, bereavement, issues around self-esteem or social isolation. The sessions will take place in a GP surgery or another appropriate safe space, where they can talk about their feelings and work through them. Read more about our active monitoring service here.
3. Mentoring
1:1 mentoring is available for all school ages, and there is both short-term and longer-term support available from SWWMind and our partners at Lifespace.
Lifespace
Delivered within a school setting, 1:1 mentoring through Lifespace is designed to be medium to long-term support. Mentoring focuses on what you would like life to be like or what you would like to be different.
Mentors help children and young people to identify what’s getting in the way and help them develop the skills and strategies to feel better about themselves. Weekly mentoring sessions will last between 40-60 minutes, most young people work with their mentor for up to 12 weeks but for some, continued support may be an option. For more information on this mentoring service, check out the Lifespace website.
SWWMind
We offer a structured 1:1 service based on the principle of the ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’. This service is currently running for 11-18 year olds and typically comprises of weekly, hour-long sessions.
These can take place in local community centres or public areas such as cafes and libraries. Our volunteers will cater for those who don’t want to go to school, as well as school leavers, in addition to going into schools.
The 5 pillars of wellbeing are:
Connect: SWWMind mentors facilitate connections with social clubs and interest groups. A gradual approach is employed for those who struggle with going outside.
Be Active: Receive support in accessing sports clubs, including those participating in the ‘Opening Doors’ project. ‘Walk and Talk’ sessions, particularly addressing bereavement, are conducted with dedicated volunteer support.
Take Notice: Help is given to develop interests, engage in mindfulness sessions, and build self-awareness with SWWMind mentor-guided strategies.
Learn: Support is provided for hobbies and reading, and a mental health toolkit is created, with a strong focus on building confidence and fostering a positive learning environment in collaboration with schools.
Give: Volunteering opportunities within the school or community are discussed, with a special emphasis on developing giving skills through confidence-building activities.
How to access this support
A young person living in Warwick, in CV34, can either refer themselves for support, receive a referral from a parent/guardian, GP or a member of staff from their school.
To take that first step, simply email referrals@swwmind.org.uk