Our newest group sessions are in Eagleby.
Our group sessions each have their own culture, the culture is decided by the people who first join the group. I like to get to know the people attending and grow the group around their needs, personalities and comfort levels. As the group grows and new personalities join, the group evolves too. People slowly get better at meeting others, building rapport and making friends.
With this group, my full intention was for the gym trailer (my brand new cool toy) to be the main focus.
But… we all have different needs.
To me, the social side of what we do is just as important as the exercise. Some of the guys and girls in this group may not have the capacity for physical activity every session, so we have Uno cards, colouring books and a ukulele there too.
For this group, rapport, comfort and proving this is a safe space was more important than getting everyone straight onto the trailer.
We will use the trailer. We will exercise. We will play games and build confidence.
But a bigger part of what we do is listening to what people actually want and what capacity they have on a given day.
This group has room for parallel play.
There is room to wander around the fenced playground area.
There is room to take a moment to yourself.
And when people are ready, the exercise, games and camaraderie will grow at the pace that suits this culture.
That might look like one person trying some gym activities while others sit nearby playing Uno, colouring, watching from a safe distance, and joining in when they feel comfortable.
And that’s ok.
