Avid Leopold gamer Jake Anderson is harnessing the power of video games to get locals with disabilities to open up through a unique program.
The self-described “social outcast” joined genU GAMER as participant himself a few years ago, after his mum found a brochure for the program.
“I fell in love with it. It was pretty cool – just playing games,” the 22-year-old said.
“Outside I look normal but inside I struggle with a lot of stuff like reading and writing – it’s just hard to do.”
He soon discovered a knack for helping others in the program open up, and now he volunteers there five days a week.
“It’s about getting people into gaming and socialising,” he said.
Jake remembers helping one participant who got angry and began “throwing stuff around” despite the efforts of social workers.
“I think he was a bit startled,” he said.
“He was talking about his home life and some edgy stuff.”
But Jake knew the participant loved anime, so he put on a favourite series to help him calm down.
Other times, Jake simply enjoys talking with participants and helping them socialise, or overcome a tricky quest in on the Xbox or PlayStation.
“They need a role model in their life or someone to talk to, so it feels good to be that,” he said.
Last year Jake won the Geelong Awards for People with a Disability’s volunteering category for his compassion and unique way of supporting others.
With nominations for the awards now open, Jake encouraged locals to put forward someone they think worthy of recognition.
“It felt good to be recognised,” he said.
Nominations close at 5pm on October 8. Details: www.geelongaustralia.com.au/disabilityawards.
