Hundreds attended a gaming festival aimed at tackling loneliness among young people in Great Yarmouth.
Level Up is a free festival, aimed at 11 to 19-year-olds, where people can enjoy activities like VR experiences, video games, arcade games, board games, and life-size retro games like Pac-man.
More than 200 local young people attended the two-day event, a higher turnout than in any previous year of the festival.
The event is organised by young people from the Great Yarmouth Youth Advisory Board (GYYAB), facilitated by local youth charity MAP.
As well as being an opportunity to socialise and play games, Level Up also offers young people the chance to explore questions about mental health and wellbeing.
Experienced youth workers were on hand, leading conversations about good mental health, and sharing tips to help young people feel in control of their emotions and wellbeing.
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Josh McCue, youth worker at MAP, said: “Many young people struggle with loneliness, and gaming can be part of the solution.
"Through Level Up, we’re able to engage young people in something they love, and provide the opportunity to meet new people and learn about local support services like MAP.”
Glen, a young commissioner at Great Yarmouth YAB, said: “Days like this are very important to young people.
"A lot of people come for the gaming, and then they’re free and open to talk about mental health in a non-judgemental space.
"We can signpost them to different mental health and wellbeing organisations who can help. There is help out there," he added.
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MAP is a Norfolk charity supporting young people to access free youth work services, advice and mental health support.
Great Yarmouth YAB is a group of young people, facilitated by MAP, who commission local projects and services in the interests of young people in the community.
Level Up took place on April 4 and 5.
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