At Traralgon Youth Prevention and Recovery Care (YPARC) service, LEGO therapy is helping young people build confidence, develop social skills, and learn to work collaboratively in a supportive environment.
Delivered in partnership with Latrobe Regional Health, Traralgon YPARC provides young people aged 16–25 experiencing psychological distress with short-term residential support, access to specialist mental health staff 24 hours a day, and individualised recovery-focused care. The service helps young people stabilise their mental health, transition out of hospital, or avoid hospital admission.
LEGO therapy uses structured building activities and free play to help participants learn through an activity they enjoy. Sessions can be delivered in groups or one-to-one, depending on individual needs.
Kerrie Ann Godfrey, who facilitates the program alongside fellow LEGO therapist KellyAnne, says its informal approach can make it easier for young people to engage, particularly those experiencing social anxiety or who are neurodivergent.
“They’re not having to complete forms. They’re able to just play, be free, and speak,” Kerrie Ann said.
The program has already helped a group of 10 young people who initially struggled to socialise with one another. Starting in smaller teams, participants gradually worked towards completing activities as a larger group.
“What we saw was them become more comfortable with each other in general,” Kerrie Ann said. “We utilised that as a way for them to build those skills that they can take out into the community.”
Activities can be adapted to different needs and abilities, with structured tasks providing clear roles and boundaries for participants who benefit from additional guidance.
To learn more about Lego Therapy, visit the Progressive Play website.
To learn more about Traralgon YPARC, including eligibility and referral pathways, visit the Mind Australia website or call 1300 286 463. Access to the service is through Latrobe Regional Health.