Evolvehub - Can gaming help prevent social exclusion among young people?

Can gaming help prevent social exclusion among young people? Backed by the Kavli Trust, a new project combines early intervention, local engagement and rigorous research to find out.

EvolveHUB and NTNU Samfunnsforskning (social research )has received funding for the project “Døråpneren” – a new initiative for young people at risk of falling outside school and social communities. Through safe, structured settings and group-based gaming, participants will experience a sense of achievement, belonging and social development. In collaboration with NTNU Social Research, the project will also generate new knowledge on how gaming can be used as an effective tool to prevent social exclusion among children and young people.

About the project

“Døråpneren” is an innovative initiative using gaming as a structured, group-based intervention for young people aged 13–16 who are at risk of, or already experiencing, social exclusion.

Participants take part in guided gaming sessions designed to foster collaboration, communication and a sense of belonging. The aim is to strengthen social skills, confidence and overall wellbeing—key protective factors in adolescence.

The project is paired with a large-scale randomised controlled trial, generating robust evidence on how gaming can be used as a preventive tool.

What will the funding from the Kavli Trust support?

Funding from the Kavli Trust enables both delivery and evaluation of the project.

It supports programme development, recruitment and follow-up of participants, as well as comprehensive data collection and analysis. The long-term ambition is to scale a proven, evidence-based model that can be implemented more widely.

About Evolve Hub

Evolve Hub is a non-profit organisation dedicated to tackling youth exclusion. It creates inclusive environments for young people who struggle to engage in traditional settings, using tools like gaming to build relationships, skills and motivation.

About NTNU Social Research

NTNU Social Research is an independent research institute with extensive expertise in social science.

The institute is responsible for the study design, data collection and evaluation, ensuring a rigorous evidence base for understanding what works in early prevention.