WHAT IS YOUR CORPS AND WHAT DOES IT DO?
Your Corps was founded by James Wards in Gore as a response to the crisis of mental health and suicide that he was seeing in his own community. The mission of the organisation is to forge genuine lasting relationships and reduce the number of suicides in New Zealand by bringing young people together and building communities around gaming.
Your Corps organises and runs weekend computer gaming events for young people across communities in the South Island (Oamaru, Christchurch, Ashburton, Timaru, Balclutha, Gore, Queenstown, Invercargill, Dunedin, and Blenheim).
Gaming is enjoyed by many young people, yet, given that it is generally depicted as a solitary activity, it may seem like an unconventional vehicle for establishing friendships. However, gaming is unthreatening and as such it presents an ‘excuse’ for Your Corps to get people together physically for a gaming event; from there, they can discover shared interests and build friendships.
YOUR CORPS’ BUSINESS MODEL
Your Corps operates on a mixture of trading income derived from events where participants pay for their participation and community grants.
“…it’s a place I can truly be myself and not care what others think, because the other people aren’t too much different from me and I can be as loud or as 'nerdy' as I want… [Your Corps] is an important part of many kids lives”
– Your Corps member
YOUR CORPS’ IMPACT
Through gaming events, young people learn new skills, grow connections with other people interested in gaming, and develop a better sense of self. These outcomes lead to increased self confidence and better social connections.
Your Corps regularly hears stories of young people who are happier and significantly more engaged after just one event. Positive relationships build resilience, which leads to better mental health and improved sense of belonging within the community.