Happy Times at My Tribe
Our young people have been having great fun at My Tribe, our after-school club, these past few weeks. We wanted to share some of the things we’ve been up to lately.
Last week, we made happiness jars in both My Junior Tribe (for 6- to 10-year-olds) and My Tribe Teens (for 11- to 18-year-olds). This activity involved decorating a jam jar and filling it with happy things. First, we used special pens to write and draw on the glass. Then, we thought of things that make us feel happy. These could be a song, a joke, something nice about ourselves, somebody who makes us smile. We wrote them down on pieces of paper. We put all the pieces of paper in the jar and gave it a shake…
We invited the young people to fill their jars with new items each week, whenever they think of something that makes them happy. The idea is that when we want to have a happy moment, we open our jar and check what is inside. If we are feeling down, we can bring ourselves back to a happy place by being reminded of those things that make us happy.
Next, we ventured downstairs to the adventure playground for a supervised play session with us. Studies have demonstrated numerous physical, social and emotional benefits of risky play, so it is wonderful that we are able to offer young people who attend our clubs at Mint Street Adventure Playground the opportunity to experience this in a safe environment. Our young people particularly enjoyed climbing up and down the ladder and swinging on the swings.
Later on, after enjoying some board games together (from Connect Four to Rummikub), we experienced a beautiful moment when all the teens went to sit together in our quiet corner to have a chat. In formal education settings, children who are neurodivergent may struggle to make friends, but our safe space allows them to be together and socialise. The benefits speak for themselves as we are starting to see young people coming back to our club week after week.
A Mum whose son attended the session said: “The jars were a fantastic idea. Well done! Both my boys loved them as I took one home for my first born to complete. During the tough days, little things like this definitely help him remember what makes him happy. His younger brother was very relaxed and happy at your club. I noticed he branched away from me to make his jar with the helper on the table and then he was happy roaming and playing. What progress!”
Join us next time to find your happy place!
My Tribe takes place in Mint Street Adventure Playground in Borough (SE1 1QP) every Thursday in term time. My Junior Tribe (aged 6 to 10) meet from 3:30pm to 5:15pm and My Tribe Teens (aged 11 to 18) meet from 3:30pm to 6:30pm.
DON’T MISS: Make your voice heard by sharing your views on SEND services in Southwark
Southwark Council are currently running a survey about the support and services for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Southwark. They are looking for feedback from young people with SEND, parents and carers, and practitioners, and it’s really important to take this opportunity to make your voice heard.