‘6’ is a Hit with Young Men

Played to a group of male students from Melville Senior High School, the DVD sparked extensive discussion and was hailed as a success.

Year 12 student Decial Douglas said the DVD was easy to relate to and really made students think about these issues from their own perspective. "This was an emotional journey – you feel like you know these guys and really think that it could be me,” he said. “You see that everyone has to take responsibility."

The DVD is targeted at male adolescents and aims to assist young men in coping with some of the emotional health issues they may face during adolescence such as self-esteem, relationships, sexuality, crime, suicide and drink driving.

Health Promotions Officer Janet Armarego said there was no doubt that this type of medium was an effective way of getting information out to young men. “We were amazed at how well the boys related to the real life scenarios and how effective the films were in stimulating discussion among the group about some very serious and often personal issues,” she said. “Having young men talk about and share their own experiences in this environment helps break down some real barriers and can often provide solutions to problems they may be facing.”

Mayor Katherine Jackson believes the DVD will be a great asset in helping young men to deal with many of the issues they face during their adolescence. “This is a particularly challenging time for young men,” she said. “If we can inform them of some of the difficulties they may confront, it will help them develop coping strategies and encourage them to talk about problems with people that can help.”

‘6’ will be launched to the public on the big screen at Hoyts Garden City on Wednesday, 5 September 2007, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm, hosted by Nova’s Desiree Savage.

Bookings to the launch of ‘6’ are essential. Tickets to the screening can be obtained from the City of Melville. Phone Health Promotions Officer Janet Armarego on 9364 0280 for more information.