Step Up and Dance - Ages 12 to 15

5 Week Women's Group

The Trivia & Cosplay Extravaganza on 22 February was a wonderful success, bringing together 43 enthusiastic participants for an unforgettable evening of fun, creativity, and community spirit at The Place Charlestown. The event was a true celebration of inclusion and individuality, with participants of all ages and abilities joining in the excitement. From the moment the first trivia question was asked to the final round of applause for the best costumes, the atmosphere was buzzing with laughter, teamwork, and friendly competition. Cosplay Magic & Trivia Brilliance The cosplay showcase was nothing short of spectacular! Attendees arrived dressed as their favourite superheroes, anime icons, and fantasy legends, transforming the venue into a colourful and dynamic world of imagination. The level of effort and creativity in the costumes was incredible, and it was heart warming to see the joy and excitement on participants' faces. Meanwhile, the trivia challenge put everyone’s knowledge to the test, covering topics from pop culture and movies to anime and fantasy worlds. Whether competing in teams or as individuals, players engaged in lively discussions, strategic thinking, and plenty of laughs, making the competition a highlight of the evening. Community Praise & Positive Feedback The event was met with resoundingly positive feedback, with many attendees already looking forward to the next one! Some of the fantastic comments from participants included: 💬 “This was an amazing idea and fun for the whole family and community!” 💬 “Fantastic! Thank you so much for a fantastic event!” 💬 “Loved it! Great for teens!” A Program for Inclusion and Connection This fantastic event was proudly part of the Place Based Abilities (PBA) Program, which is offered by The Place in collaboration with ReadyUp Skills. The PBA Program is designed to create inclusive, community-driven experiences that encourage participation, skill-building, and connection for young people of all abilities. We are grateful to everyone who participated, dressed up, played, and supported the event. A huge thank you to our PBA participants and team who made the night run smoothly—it wouldn’t have been possible without you! The Trivia & Cosplay Extravaganza was more than just a night of fun; it was a testament to the power of community, creativity, and inclusion. We can’t wait for our next event! Stay tuned for future events, and if you missed out this time—don’t worry, there will be more chances to join in the fun! The Place Based Abilities Program runs consistently and participants can join at any stage. The groups meet weekly during the school term, on Monday and Thursday afternoons at The Place: The 10-16 age group meets on Thursdays from 4pm - 7pm - REGISTER HERE The 17-25 age group meets on Mondays from 4:30pm - 7:30pm - REGISTER HERE You can also contact us on (02) 4032 5500 to find out more and register. This program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. Visit www.dss.gov.au for more information.

Imagine hearing a teenage boy say, “Showing emotions is strength. It shows you can communicate how you feel.” In a world where traditional masculinity often discourages vulnerability, statements like these are nothing short of extraordinary. But at Great Mates Young Men Empowered, this shift in mindset had become the norm. Over the past two years, Great Mates Young Men Empowered has provided young men aged 12-16 with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of life with confidence, emotional intelligence, and resilience. This ground-breaking wellbeing program, run by The Place: Charlestown Community Centre in collaboration with Well Education and funded by the NSW Government, didn’t just teach skills—it reshaped how these young men saw themselves and their role in society. Breaking the Silence on Masculinity From 2023 to 2025, the program ran six 8-week terms and two follow-up events, creating a safe and supportive environment where young men could openly discuss their struggles, experiences, and emotions. Each session was built around essential themes like: - Emotional awareness ®gulation - Positive relationships - Confidence & self-worth - Masculinity & societal expectations - Coping strategies for stress & anger Unlike traditional youth programs, Great Mates Young Men Empowered tackled difficult conversations head-on, addressing topics often avoided in male circles—emotions, self-worth, and even the impact of media and pornography on young minds. Through interactive discussions led by Well Education’s Laura, the boys actively challenged unhealthy masculine norms and redefined strength as emotional intelligence, not suppression. “Talking to my family helped me process it.” “I ask for help all the time when I’m struggling.” “Taking a deep breath allows our brain to reset.” These were just some of the powerful insights shared by participants, proving that Great Mates Young Men Empowered was more than just a program—it was a movement. More Than Just Talk – Hands-On Learning What set Great Mates Young Men Empowered apart was its ability to seamlessly blend fun, engaging activities with life-changing education. Each session was split into two parts: An exciting, interactive activity – from boxing sessions with Feel Good Fitness to reptile exhibits with Jabiru Wildlife. A shared meal & open discussion – where participants reflected on key topics and shared personal experiences. This hands-on approach not only strengthened friendships but also built social skills, teamwork, and trust. One participant summed it up best: “I LOVE THIS PLACE!” – he exclaimed with a grin and a painted skateboard in hand. Real, Measurable Impact The impact of Great Mates Young Men Empowered wasn’t just anecdotal—it was backed by data. Participants completed self-assessments before and after the program, revealing: 7.75% increase in conflict management skills across all participants 5.4% increase in emotional awareness across all participants 4.6% increase in controlling negative thoughts across all participants 95% of participants learned new emotional skills 93% learned new coping strategies 91% gained a deeper understanding of themselves Parents also noticed significant changes at home: “Instead of getting angry, my son now takes five minutes to cool off before talking things through.” “His friend got into trouble at school, and he was able to teach him about consent and respect.” “He has never been this excited about learning.” Even months after the program ended, 90% of participants showed lasting emotional awareness improvements and 87% reported a boost in confidence. A Lasting Legacy Across its six rounds, Great Mates Young Men Empowered welcomed 87 registrations, with 70 unique participants, primarily aged 12-14. The program wasn’t just about individual growth—it built a community where boys felt heard, understood, and empowered. Most importantly, it redefined what it means to be a young man today. The Great Mates Young Men Empowered approach is proof that when given the right space, young men embrace emotional awareness, challenge outdated masculinity norms, and step into their full potential. The Future of Youth Wellbeing As programs like Great Mates Young Men Empowered continue to reshape the landscape of youth development, one thing is clear: Being emotionally strong isn’t about hiding feelings—it’s about understanding and expressing them. And if more young men can walk away believing “Showing emotions is strength”, then the future looks brighter than ever. While our program is now complete due to the finalisation of funding, we’re looking to the future in the hope that impactful programs like Great Mates Young Men Empowered find a permanent place in the community and social development space, building safer and more connected communities. We would like to acknowledge and thank Well Education and the NSW Government for helping us make this impactful program possible.

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