Why?
Hull have embraced their Bright Spots, Your Life, Your Care survey findings and worked hard to find creative ways to share the messages from children about what is important to them and how they feel they are doing. This new card game is a quick and fun way to do this – it’s described as a ‘conversation starter’.
What?
The children in care council (YVIC) researched the history of board games, but they were worried that may take too long to finish so they decided to design a card game instead. They felt getting workers and managers to play a game together would be a memorable way to get everyone talking.
The card game is designed for adults/professionals and is a training product for them. One young person has done a short video to introduce the game and give an overview of the rules.
The ‘Cards You’re Dealt’ contains 48 playing cards – each card has an image (created by children) and statement describing an area of life that is important to well-being e.g. staying connected to family; social worker changes etc. The game can be played in pairs or in a group of up to 5 players. Players start by reading the game rule, assign a dealer who gives out 7 cards to each player – during the game there is time to pause to discuss the issues on the cards.
The winner is the first person to get rid of all their cards, but YVIC say everyone is a winner if they’ve had the opportunity to come together to discuss issues important to care experienced children. Badges are available for those who play the game.
What difference did it make?
The card game was launched in Corporate Parenting week 2024. Lots of teams have played it already, and feedback has been brilliant, with people reflecting that it was an enjoyable and memorable way to tune into what matters to children in care.
“The chat card really makes you reflect and allows for different perspectives and ideas.”
Hull have big ambitions for this project, and they want every team to have a set of cards to use in team meetings and group supervision. It will also be used in interviews for social work candidates.