"Those who can imagine anything can create the impossible"
- Alan Turing
The Problem
At the heart of every child's path to growth and well-being lies belonging.
Over the past decade, studies have shown a concerning rising trend: by age 15, one in three Australian kids feel they don’t belong.
Some feel this way once in a while, but for others, it’s a constant struggle they face every day.
Poor sense of belonging has been linked to low academic achievement, poor mental health and school avoidance.
Many parents have felt the anguish when their child has felt excluded by their peers.
My daughter and I, having faced exclusion and seen its impact on others, know the profound effects of isolation firsthand.
Our Solution
These experiences moved us to create 'U Shape Us', a game and social enterprise created to transform moments of disconnection into genuine connection.
It's a card-drawing game where players invent connection ideas and share those ideas.
More than just entertainment, it’s an opportunity to nurture their sense of belonging through creativity.
'U Shape Us' boosts creative confidence and skills by:
- allowing young minds to dream up unique ideas,
- share their imaginative thoughts in a judgement-free space, and
- creatively address the real-world problem of loneliness.
Our game enhances relational skills, helps players appreciate the thoughts and feelings of others, and instils a deep appreciation for every idea shared.
Why Choose Us?
While many activities entertain our kids, few genuinely nurture their sense of belonging, especially during the primary school years.
Studies show a positive sense of belonging at home often translates to a stronger sense of belonging at school.
Parents want the best for their child’s social and emotional growth, but often feel uncertain how to achieve it.
This is the gap 'U Shape Us' aims to bridge, fostering genuine connections both at home and beyond.
Your Impact
Supporting 'U Shape Us' means more than just buying a game.
It's about enriching the imaginative worlds of children, where they imagine connection spaces where everyone can belong.
To make these visions a reality, we need backers like you.
With your support, we aim to reach a crucial milestone: selling
50 games.
This will enable us to proceed with printing an initial batch of 200 copies for sale, making ‘U Shape Us’ more accessible to children across the globe.
Let's create spaces together where kids' innovative connection ideas aren’t just heard but truly come alive.
You receive
By supporting our campaign you aren't just receiving a game or fancy merch.
You're getting a simple, adaptable tool to quickly and easily connect with the children you care for.
Finally, you will be a part of a movement that celebrates the unique ideas of children to imagine and create the impossible: a world where every child feels like they belong.
Perks
An Early Bird "U Shape Us" Game (normally $30).
Delivery to Australia and New Zealand will be before Christmas. Free pick up in Canberra only.
Your name is listed on our website as an early supporter.
Gain access to a digital template featuring a selection of four cards from each of our categories: Invent, Person, Place, and Thing. Additionally, you’ll receive our “How to Play” cards to make getting started a breeze.
Choose to customise any card with photos of your choice, making the game uniquely yours. The template is available in both formats for your convenience:
1. For 5x7 inch photo printing, offering four cards per
print.
2. For A4 printing, featuring 12 cards per page.
When printed in the 5x7 inch format on photo paper, the cards acquire a premium, tactile feel.
Whether you use card sleeves or play as-is, this edition enables you to put your personal stamp on “U Shape Us.”
Please note that this is a print-and-play edition, providing you with digital files for convenient home printing.
A 41 x 41 tote bag with our captivating, surreal game art. The perfect companion for those who carry dreams, ideas, and a world of imagination with them.
Join U Shape Us founders - Molly and Fiona - for a one-hour online zoom session exploring behind the scenes of U Shape Us.
Drawing from their shared experiences with exclusion, they'll delve into the game's origins, its mechanics, and play experience between children and adults. They highlight the evidence-informed foundation of the game, illustrating how they've woven insights from brilliant academic minds to create a unique tool for fostering belonging.
Participants will also receive an early copy of the U Shape Us Idea Creation Kit, based on Asset Based Community Development principles.
This session is ideal for those passionate about social change, citizenship, and youth empowerment. It will be packed with insights relevant to your change-making efforts,
This session will be held online live in mid December 2023 and recorded for those unable to attend live.
Have you or a family member featured on a people card in a future print run. Provide your photo for inclusion.
Highlights
See all activity20Activity
An Early Bird "U Shape Us" Game (normally $30).
Delivery to Australia and New Zealand will be before Christmas. Free pick up in Canberra only.
Your name is listed on our website as an early supporter.
Gain access to a digital template featuring a selection of four cards from each of our categories: Invent, Person, Place, and Thing. Additionally, you’ll receive our “How to Play” cards to make getting started a breeze.
Choose to customise any card with photos of your choice, making the game uniquely yours. The template is available in both formats for your convenience:
1. For 5x7 inch photo printing, offering four cards per
print.
2. For A4 printing, featuring 12 cards per page.
When printed in the 5x7 inch format on photo paper, the cards acquire a premium, tactile feel.
Whether you use card sleeves or play as-is, this edition enables you to put your personal stamp on “U Shape Us.”
Please note that this is a print-and-play edition, providing you with digital files for convenient home printing.
A 41 x 41 tote bag with our captivating, surreal game art. The perfect companion for those who carry dreams, ideas, and a world of imagination with them.
Join U Shape Us founders - Molly and Fiona - for a one-hour online zoom session exploring behind the scenes of U Shape Us.
Drawing from their shared experiences with exclusion, they'll delve into the game's origins, its mechanics, and play experience between children and adults. They highlight the evidence-informed foundation of the game, illustrating how they've woven insights from brilliant academic minds to create a unique tool for fostering belonging.
Participants will also receive an early copy of the U Shape Us Idea Creation Kit, based on Asset Based Community Development principles.
This session is ideal for those passionate about social change, citizenship, and youth empowerment. It will be packed with insights relevant to your change-making efforts,
This session will be held online live in mid December 2023 and recorded for those unable to attend live.
Have you or a family member featured on a people card in a future print run. Provide your photo for inclusion.
