Inside the Brick is a Melbourne-based social enterprise that works with children and young adults who are keen on Lego and construction play.

Among the dioramas of Star Wars planets, steampunk flying battleships, models of famous buildings and world landmarks, there lies a deeper, more socially concerned motive.

“Our social purpose is to establish brick clubs for kids who are often socially isolated,” says Inside the Brick spokesperson Colleen Deakin.

“They aren’t perhaps as drawn to other team-based group activities such as Auskick and things like that. We create a place for them where they can socialise and connect and be creative and have some fun.”

“We currently run about seven brick clubs at our studio in Fairfield in Melbourne, but we’re also mentoring a number of brick clubs around Victoria.

“My husband Rob is mentoring one in Ballan; he’s also doing a number through UnitingCare as well.

For Leanne Lucas and her son Lachlan, the world that the brick club has opened up is more than a hobby.

Lachlan, 18, contracted encephalitis when he was five, which resulted in him suffering several disabilities and being unable to communicate with people socially.

“Since we’ve found the brick club – the doctor at The Children’s Hospital gave me a contact for them –  since then he absolutely loves coming out to these shows and having a chat, interacting with people,” says Leanne.

“When we head home he shuts down, goes straight into his room – he totally shuts himself off. He builds a lot of sets, and he can be creative with them, but he only talks here.”

Lachlan shows me two working models of cars that he’s made. One is a sports car, the other a 4WD.

“They’re made from the same kit, the same pieces. All the gears work, too.”

Hannah Matheson from Mt Clear is five, and she’s adamant about what she likes in Lego.

“I like making stuff out of Lego, like dinosaurs and Minions. Actually I never made a dinosaur before, but I do want to try today.”