Children seeking support at a local charity will soon be able to combat COVID isolation with a stroll down a virtual Morecambe Prom with their friends thanks to an innovative new digital project.
Lancaster-based charity CancerCare, has begun work to create a new digital Youth Hub within the videogame Minecraft, which will enable young people who are referred for support to interact and share their experiences with youth workers and therapists in a completely unique, engaging and creative way.
The project was inspired by the difficulties the charity faced trying to stay in touch with its young people’s peer support group during lockdown, and it was keen to explore innovative ways of using technology while retaining the creativity and spontaneity of weekly face-to-face sessions which were made impossible due to the pandemic.
Minecraft is one of the most popular games ever created and is played by hundreds of millions of people around the globe. Often described as “digital Lego” it allows players to explore an almost limitless 3D digital “sandbox” world and create their own buildings, landscapes and cities.
CancerCare received special funding for the project from Catalyst and it will be developed by BlockBuilders, a Brighton-based digital youth engagement agency which specialises in using Minecraft as a tool to work with young people in a variety of settings including schools and youth clubs.
The charity has centres in Lancaster, Kendal and Barrow and initial plans for the CancerCare “world” includes recreating iconic features in the towns such as virtual versions of Morecambe Promenade, Kendal Castle and a submarine piloting game set in Barrow docks. Other ideas include an outdoor activity centre featuring quad biking and archery, story-sharing spaces and an “anger wall,” where the children can let off steam either through words, images or TNT!
BlockBuilders co-Director Joe Palmer said: “We are delighted to be working with CancerCare to help bring a youth club in Minecraft to life. This will be the perfect place for the young people to connect with their friends and youth workers from a distance.
“COVID has transitioned vital youth work into a digital space, and with this project we aim to create a safe and fun environment that will enable young people to still benefit from being a part of a youth club. We want this Minecraft youth club to be the next best thing to in person sessions and look forward to creating this unique space."
CancerCare Chief Executive Alison Stainthorpe said: “This is a hugely exciting development for CancerCare and will be a wonderful addition to the fantastic work our youth workers already do supporting the young people who, like many of us, have been impacted by the isolation caused by the successive lockdowns.
“We have all adapted to using technology to stay connected over the last year and its potential uses as a medium for helping children affected by cancer and bereavement are almost limitless. The project also includes the provision of laptops or tablets to the young people, so it will be inclusive to those without access to devices.”
The Minecraft project is expected to be complete by the end of April.
CancerCare’s Children and Young People’s Service (CYPS) was established 15 years ago and it provides face-to-face counselling, play therapy and a weekly peer support group which offers fun and friendship for young people in similar situations.
Young people are referred to the charity from a range of sources including schools and formal health care providers such as Child & Adult Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Over the last two years it has received funding from Children in Need and Global’s Make Some Noise, F C Scott, Tesco and St James’s Place funds which has allowed it to extend its services across north Lancashire and south Cumbria.
For more information about the range of services provided by CancerCare visit www.cancercare.org.uk
Friends from Morecambe to take on Ultra Marathon for brave toddler
Firefighters and swim centre team give key water safety message on Morecambe school visit
Police probe after stolen motorbike being ridden dangerously found in Morecambe
Man arrested in Lancaster after bridge jump hoax call
Local hospice wins national award for Will donation campaign
Cash boost for babies and families at Royal Lancaster Infirmary after fundraising at local golf club
Morecambe’s Pride in Place Board give update on West End investment programme
Children's play area in Lancaster opens after £118k revamp
Illegal tobacco and counterfeit clothing seized during raid on Lancaster city centre shop
Lancaster bowling green fundraiser hits target
Six food businesses in Lancaster district fail allergen tests
LISTEN: Stars of Morecambe and Wise stage show can't wait for Eric's 100th birthday
LISTEN: Thousands enjoy Wray Fair finale to annual scarecrow festival
PHOTOS and VIDEO: Incredible sand art on Morecambe beach honours Sir David Attenborough
Row over Morecambe FC debt as ex-directors' firm issues winding-up petition against club
Morecambe Pride handed £3,500 grant boost
North West awards delight for talented stars of Lancaster musicals
Music festival set for Lancaster over Bank Holiday postponed due to ‘ongoing planning’
Lancashire Police Museum in Lancaster celebrates fourth anniversary
Police investigate alleged sexual exploitation at Lancaster flat
