Supporting young men to become Better Blokes
Council’s Youth Development team’s new program combats poor mental health by cultivating connection and emotional literacy with support from positive role models.
The City of Victor Harbor’s Better Blokes Summer Program kicks off in November and aims to meet the increasing challenge of mental wellbeing in our young men head on.
The program offers a fun and safe environment for participants aged 12-18 to connect with each other and their positive role models, including fathers, father figures and mentors that specialise in men’s mental health.
By providing opportunities for young men to address and discuss mental health on the backdrop of light-hearted activities, the project works to strengthen the protective factors of belonging and connection in young men’s lives.
A study in the Journal of Health and Social Behaviour found that men who reported strong social support were 36 per cent less likely to develop depression.
The Better Blokes Summer Program includes:
- Surf Lessons (16 November 2024)
- Laser Tag (30 November 2024)
- Tree Climb (14 December 2024)
- Bush Walk (4 January 2025)
- Go Karting (11 January 2025)
City of Victor Harbor Mayor Dr Moira Jenkins said she was proud of the Youth Development team’s ingenuity and dedication to improving the wellbeing outcomes of the region’s young people.
“The Better Blokes Summer Program is a great example of the quality initiatives being facilitated by our Youth Development Officer Daniel for the betterment of our young people,” she said.
“I encourage young men and their parents to get involved and step out of their comfort zones, for the sake of cultivating healthy minds!”
Programs for young people rated highly as a priority for the community during the most recent Community Satisfaction Survey. The Better Blokes Summer Program is one of a number of programs to be facilitated for local youth in 2024.
For further details and to book in for the Better Blokes Summer Program, contact Youth Development Officer Daniel on 0418 811 780 or dwestern@victor.sa.gov.au