D&D at Rocky Bay

By engaging in the program, participants can build on social interaction skills, choice control and natural consequence to decisions, communication goals, confidence building in socials settings, independence and expanding reading and numeracy comprehension.

Lynsey Monk, Rocky Bay’s Area Manager of Community and a trained Occupational Therapist, described the program as a great opportunity for customers to explore new activities

“It allows the customers to find new friends and communities, and if they choose to continue to attend the program then these friendships can continue to develop and grow,” Ms Monk said.

Long term, the program will allow participants to develop their social skills and build confidence through meeting new people and participate in social interaction.

“It will allow our customers to understand the importance of working as a team to ensure coordination of the game and cooperate when decisions are required to be made. Practicing these skills through activities such as gaming groups allows it to be done in an enjoyable and productive way,” Ms Monk said.

“Problem-solving skills will also be developed.

“All of these skills are transferrable to other parts of individuals lives and by having the opportunity to practice and develop skills in a forum such as this, it will give participants the confidence to use them in situations outside of the program,” Ms Monk said.

Ms Monk said Rocky Bay considers first the interests of its customers when creating new programs.

“We want the programs to be relevant to the age groups we work with as this supports their interaction and motivation to engage,” Ms Monk said.

“When we are enjoying a hobby or interest, we often forget we are developing a skill set at the same time and then subconsciously use these skills in other areas of our life.

“We have set up programs like ‘Dungeons and Dragons’ with a number of skill development areas in mind while ensuring it is fun and rewarding for the customers attending,” Ms Monk concluded.