Participating in an innovative genU program has been a game changer for a young man with big hopes and dreams for the future.  

It’s been all uphill for Ky since he moved to Geelong from Sydney in 2024 with his family, and discovered genU. 

His first connection with genU was doing a three-month work experience cooking course in genU’s Douro Street commercial kitchen, where his passion for cooking was enhanced. 

Through gaining an understanding of what Ky needed to thrive and excel, a genU support worker identified how joining the Gamer program would help him further grow his confidence.  

It was solid advice, and since joining Gamer almost a year ago, Ky has gone ahead in leaps and bounds, supported by the trained genU staff in a safe and welcoming environment. 

“I have met lots of people and it’s been good for my mental health,” Ky said describing the impact of finding his new squad. 

Ky has come out of his shell and feels comfortable to express himself in the Gamer environment, having made new friends quickly and becoming a valued member of the Gamer community.  

Inspired through his work experience, and increased confidence, Ky is also dining out on local study opportunities. For entrée, Ky is priming his palate with a taste-testing course at The Gordon, and for main course, he’s sharpening his all-round cooking skills with a TAFE course four days a week. 

This is the recipe he’s following to reach his dream of becoming a chef once he’s graduated.  

“I like learning knife skills and making lots of fresh food,” Ky said about his course.

And with his love of cooking well known at Gamer, it’s not unusual for Ky to get called ‘Chef’ when he’s on site.

Having the positive Gamer experience once a week gives Ky something to look forward to after his four days at TAFE. It’s the ideal way to spend the last day of the week, and the flexibility in the Gamer program means Ky can attend for three hours in the morning and three hours in the late afternoon till evening. 

His favourite game is Tekken 8, which is a great outlet for him to relax and switch off, as well as play cooperatively (or competitively) with peers both in the Gamer space and all over the world, which Ky also uses as a chance to improve his social skills.

In a space where people can leave behind any problems they might be experiencing in the outside world, Ky has grown more resilience since joining Gamer and continues to thrive.  

“I feel safe and people are trustworthy – they make me laugh and I feel happy…they ask me about my interests, and I like to talk about them,” he said. 

What is Gamer? 

genU Gamer has been created by gamers, for gamers who want to create meaningful connections, build social skills and confidence, with gaming and pop culture at the centre of bringing like-minded people together. 

Our team of gamers and pop culture fans are trained in mental health and youth services to support Gamer clients 

Is Gamer the tribe for you? Find out how to join genU | Gamer