"Showing Emotions is Strength" – How the Great Mates Young Men Empowered Program is Transforming Young Men’s Lives

intouch Magazine

4 days ago

Classroom setting with people designing skateboard decks. A presenter speaks at the front. A screen displays "Social Media's Descriptions."

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 groundbreaking 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 & regulation
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.

Group of people in a room holding toy guns and props on a wooden floor. Some wear colorful hats. Mood is playful and casual.

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 a 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 skills93% learned new coping strategies91% 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.

Cristelle Govender

Centre Manager / Great Mates Young Men Empowered Young Men Empowered Project Manager

The Place Charlestown Community Centre