Fun with Dice: More Than Just Games - Best board games

Introduction: Gaming Meets Therapy with the best board games out there

Fun With Dice is a 10-week therapeutic tabletop gaming program designed to help NDIS participants (ages 16 and up) build social skills and confidence through role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons In weekly 2.5-hour group sessions, participants embark on collaborative adventures guided by trained facilitators, engaging in storytelling, teamwork, and problem-solving in a safe and inclusive environment. By taking on fantasy characters and quests, players practice real-world skills – from communication and emotional regulation to creative thinking – all while having fun. Best of all, the program is fully NDIS-funded (no out-of-pocket cost for participants), making it an accessible social community activity under NDIS Core Supports (Assistance with Social and Community Participation).

The Therapeutic Power of Tabletop RPGs

A growing body of research shows that tabletop role-playing games (RPGs) like D&D aren’t just games – they can be powerful therapeutic tools. Recent studies and reviews have highlighted several benefits:

• Reduced Anxiety & Depression: Playing D&D in a supportive setting can lead to measurable mental health improvements. For example, an Australian study of young adults who played weekly D&D sessions for 8 weeks found significant decreases in depression, stress and anxiety, along with increased self-esteem and. Participants often describe the game as “cathartic,” providing a safe outlet to express emotions and work through challenges within the game’s fantasy. This and other emerging research suggest table top games can be harnessed to help manage anxiety and mood.

• Social Connection & Confidence: Tabletop RPGs are inherently cooperative and social. The collaborative storytelling and group problem-solving foster a sense of camaraderie and belonging among. A 2024 study in the Int. Journal of Role-Playing noted that D&D players report a “unique sense of camaraderie and shared experience” that helps them feel socially . Therapists have observed that through gameplay, shy or anxious individuals gain confidence and find their voice in group. “I’ve seen shy and anxious individuals gain confidence and find their voice at the gaming table,” says one clinical psychologist who integrates D&D into . The safe space of a fictional world allows participants to practice social skills without fear of real-life consequences, which can then transfer to improved confidence in everyday.

• Skill-Building (Communication, Teamwork & Problem-Solving): Participating in a role-play campaign exercises a range of social and cognitive skills. Players must communicate their ideas, listen to others, and work as a team to overcome in-game obstacles. Research finds that RPG players develop better creative problem-solving and teamwork abilities, as they collaboratively navigate challenges and adapt to unexpected situations in the. In-game conflicts and puzzles become opportunities to practice negotiation, strategy, and emotional regulation in a low-risk setting. In fact, a 2024 scoping review concluded that tabletop RPGs help promote cognitive and psychosocial skills (like planning, empathy, and self-regulation) while also reducing. These gains can translate into real-life improvements – for instance, learning to stay calm and communicative during a tough boss fight might help a participant handle anxiety and cooperation in a school or work project.

• Therapeutic Benefits for Autism & Social Challenges: Tabletop RPGs have shown particular promise for individuals on the autism spectrum and those with social difficulties. The structured fantasy scenarios provide a playful framework for practicing social interaction and perspective-taking. One case study found that a tailored D&D-style game allowed children with autism to express themselves more freely and helped therapists identify the children’s social communication strengths and challenges in a supportive. The collaborative nature of RPGs – with clear rules, turn-taking, and role-play – can be very accessible and engaging for people who struggle in unstructured social settings. Overall, studies have noted benefits of RPG groups in addressing social anxiety, depressive symptoms, and autism-related social deficits. For many participants, “escaping” into a game world reduces the pressure of real-life socialization, making it easier to practice interacting with others and build friendships.

How the Fun With Dice Program Works

Fun With Dice is structured as a 10-week group program (one session per week) to provide consistency and gradual skill-building. Each session is ~2.5 hours and follows a clear routine:

• Warm-Up (15 min): Gentle icebreakers or team-building games to help everyone get comfortable and ready to play. (For example, sharing something about their character or doing a quick cooperative puzzle.) This helps participants practice greeting each other and taking turns in a low-pressure way.

• Adventure Gameplay (90 min): The core of each session is a tabletop RPG adventure led by a Game Master (facilitator). Participants might be tracking a goblin in a cave one week, or negotiating peace with a dragon the next – the scenarios are tailored to highlight different skills each week. For instance, in a “Teamwork & Problem-Solving” week, the quest might involve puzzles that require group cooperation; in an “Emotional Regulation” week, the story might introduce an in-game conflict that players have to resolve diplomatically. The game master subtly guides the narrative to create teachable moments aligned with that session’s theme (like encouraging a quieter player to speak up during a “Leadership” themed session). Each week has a specific social skill focus, such as communication in Week 1, teamwork in Week 2, emotional regulation in Week 3, creativity in later weeks, and so on. Participants get to role-play as characters, which lets them explore different ways of interacting and problem-solving in a fun way. Because it feels like “just a game,” participants often engage enthusiastically even when practicing skills that might normally be challenging (like meeting new people or managing frustration).

• Debrief & Reflection (15 min): After the adventure, the group comes back to the real world to discuss what happened in the game and what they learned Facilitators lead a reflection: Which strategies worked? How did we communicate when facing that challenge? This helps each participant connect the game experience to real-life situations. For example, if a player successfully calmed an angry ogre by staying calm and listening, the facilitator might draw parallels to handling conflict with a peer at school. This reflection solidifies the social and emotional learning from the session while it’s fresh in their minds.

Over the 10-week program, participants progress through a narrative and personal growth arc – building from introduction and basic communication in Week 1 to more complex skills like leadership and confidence by Week 9, and ending with a final session to celebrate progress and discuss “next steps” for using their new skills in everyday life By the end, many participants have not only enjoyed an epic adventure, but also formed friendships and gained real confidence in social settings.

NDIS Alignment: Fun With Dice is offered as a group-based community participation program, meaning it can be funded through NDIS Core Supports (Group and Centre-Based Activities) or Capacity Building (Improved Daily Living/Social Participation) budgets The pricing is set within the NDIS price limits for group supports, and an intake assessment is included to tailor the experience to each person’s needs. In practice, this means NDIS participants can join Fun With Dice with no out-of-pocket cost, using their plan funding – an important consideration for families and coordinators. Sessions can even be delivered online via video-conference if needed, allowing participants from different regions to join in a virtual tabletop game. (This online option can be great for those in remote areas or who prefer attending from home, while still getting full social interaction through the game.)

What Makes Our Program Different?

There are a few tabletop gaming groups out there, but Fun With Dice offers a uniquely therapeutic and participant-centered experience. Here are some key ways we stand out:

• Qualified, Caring Facilitators: Our game sessions are led by staff who are not just passionate gamers but also trained in mental health and disability support. This means they understand participants’ diverse needs and can adapt the game on the fly to ensure everyone is included and supported. Unlike casual game meetups that might rely on a volunteer Dungeon Master, our facilitators have professional backgrounds (e.g. psychology, social work, or disability support) plus expertise in RPGs. They know how to handle situations if a player becomes anxious or if conflict arises, turning it into a learning opportunity. “Not only do I have a group I meet with weekly to play, but I’ve also utilized character-building and scenario roleplays in groups I’ve facilitated,” says one clinical psychologist of using D&D in  – highlighting the value of having skilled professionals run these games. Participants and families can feel confident that the fun is backed by clinical insight and a focus on safety and growth.

• Therapeutic Game Design: Fun With Dice is intentionally designed as a therapy-informed program, not just a recreational club. Each week’s storyline is crafted around specific social or emotional skills (for example, a session might be designed to practice frustration tolerance by facing an in-game setback). Our team carefully balances the gameplay so that it’s engaging and enjoyable like any D&D campaign, but also provides opportunities to practice real-life skills in disguise. We incorporate techniques from social skills training and group therapy – for instance, using the role-play aspect to let participants experiment with different communication styles, or using the game’s reward system to positively reinforce cooperation and empathy. This structured approach sets us apart from generic “board game groups.” In fact, research in 2024 emphasized that tailoring the RPG narrative to client goals can enhance therapeutic. We take that to heart by customizing adventures to the group’s needs (while still leaving room for plenty of free imagination!).

• Inclusive & Safe Environment: We foster a welcoming, sensory-friendly space where all abilities are respected. Whether a participant is outgoing or non-verbal, new to games or an experienced player, our program adapts so everyone can participate meaningfully. We keep group sizes small (around 3–5 participants per game master) to ensure individualized attention If someone needs extra support (for example, breaks for sensory overwhelm, or help with communication), our staff provides it. Families do not need to send a separate support worker – we’ve got support covered as part of the program. The focus is on fun and comfort: no loud noises or chaotic crowds, clear rules and routines each session, and a facilitator who sets a tone of respect and positivity so players feel safe to express themselves. This kind of psychologically safe atmosphere is key to building social confidence; as one researcher noted, D&D works therapeutically because it offers “a space in which [players] can express themselves freely” without fear of. We pride ourselves on maintaining that space for our participants and their families.

• Flexibility and Accessibility: We understand the needs of NDIS participants and their schedules. Therefore, Fun With Dice offers flexibility such as online participation options (so people from anywhere in Australia can join, or attend from home if travel is difficult). We also organize groups by age or goal where possible (for instance, teen-focused groups vs adult groups, so peers are at similar life stages). The program is run during convenient times (e.g. after school hours for teens, or daytime for adult groups) and we communicate closely with caregivers and support coordinators. Our materials and game content are adapted for varied literacy and cognitive levels – we use visual aids, simple summaries, or assistive technology as needed so no one is left behind. This commitment to person-centered accommodation means every participant can fully engage and benefit.

• Evidence-Based and Outcome-Focused: While the sessions feel like play, we take outcomes seriously. We set personal goals with each participant (and their support network) at the start – for example, “initiate conversation at least once per session” or “practice coping with losing (character “death”) without shutting down.” Throughout the program we track progress and provide feedback. In the final session, each participant receives a simple progress report or summary highlighting their growth and successes (which can be shared with their NDIS support coordinators or therapists). This outcome focus is rare in social group programs, but we believe in measuring the positive impact. It’s also aligned with research: studies indicate that RPG interventions can improve specific clinical outcomes (social anxiety, etc.) when intentionally, so we align our program with those best practices. For our participants and families, this means you’ll clearly see the development – whether it’s new friendships formed, or a boost in self-confidence – by the end of the journey.

Building Confidence, One Roll at a Time

Fun With Dice offers NDIS participants a chance to slay dragons and personal challenges simultaneously. By blending the imaginative excitement of D&D with the support of trained professionals, the program creates an ideal environment for growth. “Players reported feeling a strong sense of control in-game … when they felt they did not have control outside of the game,” one study lead noted, referring to how fantasy gaming can empower individuals in real . That empowerment is at the heart of our program: whether someone is overcoming social anxiety, learning to collaborate, or just making their first friend, playing together in a tabletop adventure can be transformative.

For NDIS participants who have struggled with traditional therapies or who shy away from group activities, a D&D-based program can be a game-changer (literally!). It’s engaging and motivating – you’re not in a classroom, you’re a hero in an epic story. Yet it’s also inherently therapeutic – offering routine, social connection, creativity, and a break from everyday stress. As one therapist observed, “Through play, I’ve seen shy and anxious individuals gain confidence and find their voice” in ways they never did.

To participants and families: imagine your loved one looking forward to each session, excited to see their friends and continue the story, all while unknowingly practicing life skills. Imagine them applying those skills outside the game – maybe speaking up more at home, managing frustration better, or engaging with peers at school. This is the outcome we strive for with Fun With Dice. It’s not “just a game night,” but a stepping stone to greater social independence and well-being.

In summary, Fun With Dice is more than a game club – it’s a research-backed, uniquely crafted program where NDIS participants can grow, connect, and have a blast. With educated and empathetic staff guiding the way, we harness the proven benefits of D&D and tabletop role-play to support mental health and social development in an inclusive setting. If you’re looking for an innovative social program for yourself or someone you support under the NDIS, Fun With Dice might just be the critical hit you’ve been waiting for.

Join us at the table – adventure and personal growth await!