Men’s care brand Harry’s, charity mental health service Shout, and UK organization Guild Gaming teamed up to create The Talk Squad to bring mental health support to the gaming community. With this initiative, gamers benefit from being able to access free and confidential one-to-one mental health support from trained Shout professionals in a safe space.
Coinciding with Men’s Health Awareness Month, The Talk Squad makes quality mental health support accessible to gamers during an activity they feel most comfortable—gaming. "Men are more likely to access support when they feel it meets their preferences, is easily accessible and engaging;–key reasons why they value Shout’s free, confidential and non-judgemental digital service," explains Sarah Kendrick, Clinical Director at Shout.
The Talk Squad will run from Thursday, November 28th to Wednesday, December 18th, and it kicked off with a Twitch livestream for International Men’s Day.
Approachable Mental Health Sessions
The Talk Squad Provides Supports Gamers' Mental Health
Trend Themes
1. Gaming-therapy Integration - Innovative programs are emerging that intertwine mental health support seamlessly within the gaming experience.
2. Confidential Virtual Support - Mental health services that offer confidential and easily accessible support are rapidly adapting to digital spaces.
3. Male Mental Health Engagement - Targeted initiatives are addressing the unique preferences of men to make mental health support more appealing and effective.
Industry Implications
1. Mental Health Services - This sector is exploring novel ways to connect with users through integrated digital platforms tailored to specific audience needs.
2. Gaming and Esports - The gaming industry is beginning to incorporate mental health resources directly into their platforms, enhancing player wellbeing.
3. Tech-driven Healthcare - Healthcare providers are leveraging technology to deliver remote, personalized mental health support, reflecting a shift towards digital care models.