We always hear the negative things about kids playing Fortnite, but this is a very different story for a change…

Fortnite actually helped a Queensland police officer forge a life-saving bond with a young boy in crisis, reports ABC news.

Constable Luke Southgate plays the online video game, Fortnite, to relax after a tough day.

“I usually only play when my friends are online,” Constable Southgate said.

“You squad up with four people and most of the time I’m playing with other police officers from work, so we also use it as a destressing tool.”

The Townsville constable never imagined his gaming interests and professional life would one day collide.

“We were detailed to attend a mental health job,” Constable Southgate said.

“We were having trouble talking to the young boy. He didn’t want to talk much about what he was going through until I found out he was a Fornite player like myself.”

The pair discussed the finer points of the game, allowing the officer to get the boy the assistance he needed.

“I never thought I would use it while on the job, so it was good to see that it came in handy,” he said.

Constable Southgate said he recently saw the boy again and he was pleased to see the connection they formed had really made a difference.

“He was pretty happy to see me again. I’m guessing he has a positive relationship with police now,” he said.

“Hopefully, fingers crossed, if he does have incidents like that again, hopefully the attending officers can get him the help required on the day and he takes away a positive thing from it.”

If you or anyone you know needs help:
Lifeline on 13 11 14
Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
Headspace on 1800 650 890
QLife on 1800 184 527

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