Reach Out to Improve Mental Health
Reach Out to Improve Mental Health
September 18, 2007: Reach Out, a website designed to help people through tough times has just launched a free online role playing game designed to improve mental health.
The game is called Reach Out Central (ROC) and is up and running in less then two minutes on a decent broadband connection. Unlike most computer games which are designed to turn a profit and involve violence and mayhem, ROC encourages users to collect items such as good-mood vibes and tips to improve self confidence.
“We believe going online like this is a creative way to reach young men, in particular, in their comfort zone.” Said The Hon. Jeff Kennett, chairman of national depression initiative, BeyondBlue.
With mental health being such a prominent issue in todays society this development is a step in the right direction as it integrates a popular youth genre with a good motive. The project has had a major funding boost from the Sony Corporation who chipped in $500,000 “Reach Out Central has enormous potential to have a positive impact on young people and improving mental health.” Says Michael Ephraim, Sony Foundation Governor.
“I’ve played ROC a few times now and it’s awesome to hit the mall, get a job, make new friends and listen to music, and I know now that when I make a decision in real-life it will make me feel a certain way.” Said Rosie Swanton, Reach Out’s Youth Ambassador.
The game also features a host of music tracks from Australian artists such as Missy Higgins, Old Man River, Guy Sebastian and more, which is promoting local artists at the same time as doing something positive for youth mental health.