On 18 September, Reach Out! launched its new sophisticated online game - Reach Out Central (ROC) - where young people can learn skills other games can’t teach; such as decision-making, resilience and coping techniques to enable them to get through tough times.
Reach Out Central has been developed in consultation with psychologists, young people, gaming experts and with the support of beyondblue: the national depression initiative. It combines cutting-edge technology with the established principles of cognitive behavioral therapy to provide a series of interactive modules that help young people aged 16–25 develop life skills critical to managing depression, coping with anxiety and preventing poor health outcomes.
ROC is a single-player role play game with innovative 3D graphics that requires broadband access. In the game play, the young person makes decisions, controls the direction of play and makes friends with characters in the Reach Out! Central town. The game design also features integrated mobile phone technology which sends text message reminders and hints about the game environment to players.
Reach Out! Central is one of the first “serious games” designed in Australia - serious games being those that use the entertainment platform of gaming with a serious message - and have been used for training, health and education purposes worldwide.
Our Director of Programs, Jono Nicholas, says Reach Out! Central is about promoting positive health messages, primarily to young men.
“Research has found that 72% of young males and 48% of young females play some kind of electronic game. We are the first to bring mental health information to them in the gaming environment and we hope to have a positive impact on young men who are traditionally hard to reach and the most at-risk group. It’s a case of taking the message to them rather than trying to get them to seek it out via traditional community-based health services."
Funding for Reach Out Central has been provided by visionary supporters Sony Foundation Australia, which contributed $500,000 through its Project Rainbow program and substantial financial support has also been provided by beyondblue: the national depression initiative, NSW Health, Teen Spirit Foundation and Golden Stave Foundation.
Recognising the enormous potential of online games to reach young people, beyondblue has provided funds, encouragement and support to Inspire to develop this game from the initial concept stage through to completion.
Our thanks to RO Youth Ambassadors Rosie and Doug who did such a fine job as MCs on the launch night, which brought together our staff, Youth Ambassadors, financial and pro-bono supporters and volunteers - with everyone finally getting to celebrate and enjoy the results of many long hours and late nights developing the program, and testing and loading the content.
