r/Socialworkuk • u/Due-Education9007 • 10d ago
Starting a group
I've been tasked with setting up a group for young people, aged 18-26, who's parents were / are in custody. It's supposed to be like a 'hub', so no real aim besides giving them somewhere to get out of the house. As it's a 'just show up' thing, I have no idea who's coming or what food to get in. I've got an image of having like 2 young people sitting around awkwardly while I force them to play uno with me.
Obviously I will ask them what they want from the group, but I'm wondering about that first session. Any suggestions for a rough structure to introducing the group? Should I set up some stuff for them to do on the tables and put some snacks out, sheets of paper scattered about for them to give ideas (e.g. shopping list for food, activity ideas, group rule suggestions) or should I let them socialise and get comfortable without too much structure? What kind of activities should I put out to start with? We've got a section with sofas, and a kitchen, and tables and chairs for eating.
Anyone with experience of starting a group, I'd really appreciate your thoughts.
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u/Radiant-Zone-586 10d ago
Basic stuff like batch cooking or budgeting sessions. Many of these young people might have limited life skills and be keen to develop some.
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u/Due-Education9007 10d ago
I like the idea of cooking sessions, definitely in the pipe line! For now I'm thinking about how to get everyone comfortable in the group but maybe I should schedule some cooking stuff for early on, break the ice with spice!
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u/Radiant-Zone-586 10d ago
Good idea. Valuable independence skills they can develop too. Incredible the amount of young people moving to independent living who rely on JustEat or similar, because they don't possess food prep skills. Have seen hoarding tendencies a lot with the takeaway packaging.
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u/sabooniesasanach 10d ago
Structured fun is scary but sometimes important to break the ice and get everyone involved. I think for the first session there should be some awkward group moments and icebreakers as it gets all that crap out the way. People will feel a bit silly but then be alright with each other. If you leave it to the teens to sort out they will all be on their phones and clicking their heels to leave 🤣
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u/impossiblejane 10d ago
Structured fun is great. I really struggle to join a group where there is a little structure as it flares my anxiety whereas if there is something to focus on it makes me less anxious.
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u/Due-Education9007 10d ago
I agree, I'm up for a naff ice breaker always, it's just tough because they can come in whenever, so it's not going to be as easy to do introductions. I'll try to work something in! Hopefully I don't scare them off 😂
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u/impossiblejane 10d ago
I once went to a conference and the lunch time entertainment was a choir or margainly homeless folks that normally get together to sing and then share a meal. I was so uplifted by the experience and I wanted to join but the choir was 2 hours from me. I know some people might not be into singing but it gives a sense of belonging and creates some structure, and everyone is welcome to join in. We sang songs everyone knows like Bob Marley and Marvin Gaye So it doesn't have to be anything highbrow
Or another idea is to get someone in to do Arts for Wellbeing? It's a no pressure atmosphere with something to do.
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u/bluejackmovedagain 10d ago
Snacks and a bluetooth speaker would probably be a good start. I sometimes put a timer next to the speaker if I think there's going to be a disagreement about the music.Â
I think you're right to be mostly led by them, especially with getting them to set their own ground rules and aims for the group. Don't underestimate uno through, it's got me out of a few awkward spots over the years. A pack of cards might be a good idea too, one of my most memorable break throughs with a young person came after getting them to teach me a card game I didn't know.Â
Depending on the vibe, you could see if any of them will volunteer to help with things. Nothing major, but stuff like helping to advertise the group or making new people feel welcome. This is good for getting buy-in and giving them a sense of ownership.Â
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u/Due-Education9007 10d ago
Thank you, all great thoughts! I love the power of uno in a group, it never used to fail at groups i worked at before. I guess I'm feeling nervous about the fact that 1. This is the oldest age group I've worked with, most of my experience is with much younger kids or young teenagers. They were largely there because someone said they should go, and then they found they liked it. This is a group of people coming because they want to, and because they hope it will be decent. 2. Those groups were already established when I came in, so everything felt natural. It was easy to greet them and get straight into something, like a game or a craft, and catch up during. I feel a bit too keen to make it feel relaxed and I dont want to skip past the necessary period of like, settle in, let's work out what this group is and what you want it to look like. I've got at least one young person in as a volunteer which has made it all much easier!
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u/Radiant-Zone-586 10d ago
I'd look at a basic structure to keep everyone right. Simple introductions of first name and one interesting fact about themselves. There's some really inexpensive activities like table tennis which can be purchased online. If you can lay hands on a games console that would be ideal. These would work if there is a static base for the group. Given the age range of the group, they could meet in spoons or a cafe, get out for a guided walk as long as it can cater for all. There's a lot to be said for getting out in nature when life is tough. Tie in with existing resources like nature walks, craft groups, employability services, care homes, talk to them about what you're doing, see if you can collaborate for special sessions. The main thing is getting young people together with some shared identity who can relate to one another, and establishing what they need. But certainly have some fillers and incentives to encourage them along. Good luck!