The team behind the Inclusive Minds project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme, has developed an engaging board game designed to promote mental wellbeing and social inclusion. This delightful game goes beyond simple entertainment; it serves as a valuable tool aimed at increasing awareness of mental health and fostering social inclusion for migrant women. By transforming the concept of mental wellbeing into an interactive and enriching experience, the game provides players with practical strategies for managing life's challenges, all within the comforting environment of a supportive community.
Game design and objective
The "Inclusive Minds" board game is structured around the "wheel of life", a concept that categorises life into various domains such as social, career, financial, spiritual, physical, intellectual, and family. Players navigate these areas through gameplay that combines Mindfulness and Stress cards. Each card presents scenarios that players might encounter in their daily lives, offering solutions or coping mechanisms through mindful actions.
Benefits
Playing Inclusive Minds can help players:
- Learn about different coping strategies for dealing with stress.
- Improve their mental well-being.
- Increase their understanding of the importance of social inclusion.
- Develop their communication and problem-solving skills.
How it works
- Setup: Each player starts with three Mindfulness cards.
- Gameplay: Players draw Stress cards depicting various life challenges and respond with Mindfulness cards that suggest potential solutions.
- Discussion and strategy: The game encourages players to discuss how the solutions can be applied to real-life stressors, fostering group dialogue and support.
- Scoring and progress: Points are awarded for effective use of Mindfulness cards, with the goal of moving all players' markers to the green area of the wheel of life, symbolising a balanced well-being.
The educational aspect of "Inclusive Minds" lies in its capacity to facilitate open conversations about mental health in a non-threatening environment. The game’s design allows players to explore personal and shared experiences of stress and mental health, learning from each other’s insights and building empathy. It’s a vivid demonstration of how play can mirror life, teaching resilience and stress management in a format that is accessible and engaging.
While initially aimed at migrant women, the game's universal themes of mental wellness make it a valuable resource for a wider audience. It has been used in various workshops and community events, proving effective in breaking down cultural and social barriers and promoting inclusiveness.
In practice, the "Inclusive Minds" board game has been a cornerstone at workshops, helping to solidify community bonds and enhance participants' understanding of mental health. Feedback from these sessions has been instrumental in refining the game, ensuring it remains relevant and impactful for all players.
The "Inclusive Minds" board game exemplifies the transformative power of educational tools when they are tailored to address crucial issues like mental health and social inclusion. Through its innovative design and thoughtful implementation, the game not only educates but also connects women from different backgrounds, empowering them to face life's challenges with resilience and support. This project underscores the potential of creative approaches in tackling serious issues, making a lasting impact on the lives of participants and fostering a more inclusive society.
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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Project Reference: 2023-2-AT01-KA210-ADU-000179309
