Game testing experience
In the very heart of Vienna, our partners, Fremde werden Freunde, recently hosted us in the beginning of October at their Freunde Salon, a venue, known for its vibrant atmosphere and cultural significance, served as the perfect backdrop for a series of transformative days under the "Inclusive Minds" Erasmus+ Programme. Over several days, this second Learning, Teaching, and Training Activity brought together participants from diverse backgrounds, immersing them in activities meticulously crafted to foster knowledge, empathy, and a profound sense of community belonging.
This gathering was a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to address the mental well-being of migrant women in Europe, as part of a project reflecting the strength of our collaboration and the steadfast dedication of our partners to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone in Europe.
The meeting's agenda was thoughtfully designed to include a diverse range of interactive sessions, workshops, and discussions, all intended to deepen participants' understanding of mental health issues and foster social inclusion.
A highlight of the day was the interactive testing of a new board game, specifically designed to address mental health awareness. This session was facilitated by our trainers who expertly guided two separate groups through the game’s mechanics. Their facilitation was crucial during this segment, helping participants understand the rules and encouraging them to engage deeply with the game’s content. As the game unfolded, participants shared personal experiences and insights, enriching the session with open discussions about mental health challenges and resilience strategies.
The highlight of the meeting was undoubtedly the testing of our newly developed board game, specifically designed to address mental health awareness. The testing sessions were facilitated by two facilitators in each group to explain the rules and encourage interaction, making the women quickly grasp the game's mechanics and embrace its purpose. and encouraging them to engage deeply with the game’s content. As the game unfolded, it was heartwarming to see how readily the women opened up and shared their experiences during the game, creating a safe and supportive space for discussion and reflection, with open discussions about mental health challenges and resilience strategies.
The subsequent days were dedicated to developing communication strategies tailored to the specific needs of our target groups. We brainstormed ideas for local activities and transnational events, ensuring that our approach is as inclusive and accessible as possible.
A key outcome of these discussions was the finalisation of our awareness campaign, which will focus on educating migrant women about mental health, coping mechanisms, and the positive effects of social inclusion.
The meeting concluded with a visit to Nachbarinnen, a Vienna-based organisation dedicated to empowering women and promoting diversity, providing us with inspiring examples and valuable insights into community-based initiatives and further strengthened our commitment to fostering social inclusion and support for our target groups.
The LTTA 2 offered invaluable feedback on our board game and solidified our communication strategies leading us to incorporating the feedback into the final version of the game and preparing for the rollout of our awareness campaign.
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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
