Just before the end of the school term, the VVU visited the Community Gaming Initiative (CGI) in Burnham on Crouch. Development of the Community Gaming Initiative is funded through the V&V Community Grant.
The project originally started in Maldon and provided a space for young people to get together to game – giving them opportunities to play the latest releases, use virtual reality headsets and try different devices and consoles. Those involved with the project have worked hard to launch and develop this initiative in Burnham on Crouch.
Gaming is growing in popularity and more and more young people are wanting to play games but it can be an expensive hobby! The project has evolved to not only provide a safe place with trusted adults but also gives the young people opportunities to game on both electronic games and also more traditional board games. As well as gaming, the young people are able to socialise, build relationships and community connections.
The project recognises that young people have different interests and for some the opportunities provided by gaming enable them to grow in confidence, learn new skills, make new friends and expose them to new technology safely – in a very technology driven world.
While visiting the project we spoke to one mother who had brought two of her children to attend that evening. She told us how grateful she was for the provision as she can’t afford the games for her children and by coming to the session they are able to experience them and join in/not feel left out when their friends at school talk about playing the games.
