From participant to Peer Support Worker at Ignition Gamers, this is Malakai’s journey.
In late 2023, Malakai’s support coordinator, Allan, made a suggestion that would change everything.
“I was really struggling to find the motivation to get out of the house,” he shares. “My support coordinator recommended Ignition Gamers, and I figured, why not give it a go?”
That first visit could’ve been overwhelming – a new place, new people, unfamiliar faces. But what Malakai found instead was something he didn’t expect.
“What stood out to me most was how professional yet calm and relaxing the environment was, despite being surrounded by people I didn’t know, everyone was very kind and welcoming, I felt like I was already their friend.”
He started coming regularly, drawn in by the games, sure – but it was the community that kept him coming back.
Finding Belonging Through Play
Like many Ignition participants, Malakai loves video games. But his interests go far beyond that.
“I mostly play video games, but I actually love board games and card games too. I’ll usually play anything.”
If he had the chance to jump into a game world for a day?
“Probably Slime Rancher, a nice and relaxing game about farming a bunch of cute little slimes, getting to make different combinations, sounds like a fun yet relaxing world to live in.”
The more time Malakai spent at Ignition Gamers, the more he began to notice the unique energy of the space. People weren’t just playing games. They were laughing, learning, making friends, and supporting each other. He wanted to be more than just part of that energy. He wanted to help create it.
A New Role Begins
“ I wanted to become more involved in Ignition after getting to see how they treated everyone and how much fun people got to have whilst learning key social skills.”
Stepping into the role of Peer Support Worker didn’t come without nerves.
“At first, it was really scary. It was a whole new level of responsibility, and I had to learn how the sessions ran behind the scenes.”
Luckily, he wasn’t alone. One of our senior Peer Workers, Dale, as well as Malakai’s mum believed in him from the start. And with help from team members like Ab, the transition started to feel less overwhelming and more exciting.
“Dale really opened the door for me, and Ab helped me so much with learning the ropes. I’m so grateful to both of them.”
Two months in, the nerves faded, replaced by something stronger.
“Now I couldn’t be happier with my choice.”
Peer Support in Action
These days, Malakai has found his rhythm. A typical session sees him arriving with his client, helping set up the consoles, checking in with participants, and making sure everyone feels welcome.
“I try to get everyone involved so no one feels left out. At the end of the session, I help pack up and take my client home.”
But his support isn’t just practical, it’s emotional too.
“ I try to help my clients through talking – talking about issues at home, work or just in general, and just being someone that will listen to any of their concerns or problems.”
And the moments of connection? They’re what he cherishes most.
“One of my favourite memories is being in a Discord call with coworkers and clients, and laughing so hard I actually fainted.”
Growth Through Lived Experience
What makes Malakai such an effective Peer Worker isn’t just what he’s learned at Ignition, it’s what he brings from life.
“Being a carer for my mum and little sister taught me patience, understanding, and how to stay calm in tough situations. That helps a lot when supporting others.”
Through his time as a participant, Malakai built a toolkit of skills that now serve him daily in his new role.
“I’ve become much more confident and talkative since I first joined Ignition, and it’s also helped with my problem-solving skills when trying to help clients.”
What He’d Tell Others Thinking About Stepping Up
When asked what advice he’d give to another participant thinking about becoming a Peer Worker, Malakai doesn’t hesitate:
“It may feel daunting or scary, but it feels incredibly rewarding, usually you don’t even feel like a worker as you are usually just spending time with people you enjoy the company of.”
And while some might worry about balancing fun with responsibility, Malakai has found his own way to make it work.
“I personally don’t have to balance and I find when I’m working, I still get to enjoy myself, playing games with clients, but a big thing that could help is taking care of yourself and just learn to focus on self-care.”
What Ignition Gamers Means to Malakai
For Malakai, Ignition Gamers is more than just a place – it’s a purpose.
“To me, it means getting to help teach people good social skills, helping them meet new people and have new experiences, to help people become a better version of themselves.”
And he’s just getting started.
“I’m really excited about getting more responsibility, meeting even more people, and hopefully helping Ignition expand and reach even more young people who need a place like this.”
Malakai’s journey from participant to Peer Support Worker is what Ignition Gamers is all about – growth, connection, and community. With every session, he continues to lead by example: showing up, reaching out, and proving that with the right support, the next level is always within reach.
Interested in becoming a Peer Support Worker or joining a session? Contact us here – we’d love to meet you.
