The UK’s leading crisis response charity wants to recruit thousands of gamers to help tackle loneliness this winter.
The British Red Cross is calling on gamers to demonstrate their skills on everything from Fortnite to FIFA and complete 20 hours of streamed gaming by the end of 2020 – to raise funds and awareness to help address an issue that affects one in five people in the UK.
Launching the campaign as a new Red Cross report shows around 40% of adults in the UK have not had a meaningful conversation in the last fortnight, the gaming campaign aims to attract thousands of participants.
Gamers who sign up on charity fundraising platform Tiltify will stream their gaming online and encourage friends and fans to donate while they watch the action unfold.
Earlier this year, more than 4,000 gamers raised £225,000 in a similar campaign to raise funds for the British Red Cross coronavirus appeal.
This campaign aims to boost understanding of loneliness and what can be done to help tackle it among younger people, especially young men aged between 18 and 35.
British Red Cross product developer Alex Moffatt said:
“This is an exciting opportunity for people to combine their love of gaming, their desire to show off their talents and a commitment to tackling an issue that leaves too many people feeling cut off from those around them.
“The coronavirus crisis has made it harder for people to come together and had an impact on people’s feelings of loneliness and we’re hoping to harness the power of the gaming community.
“We know gamers care about mental health, are connected online and well-placed to support people and give advice on online platforms. The more ways we can find of staying connected in these difficult times, especially with winter approaching, the better we can help those who would otherwise feel left behind.”
With winter drawing in and coronavirus restrictions tightening once more in many parts of the UK, the British Red Cross is working to find and meet the needs of those who would otherwise go unnoticed in the pandemic, in particular, those who are lonely and isolated.
Anyone can call its coronavirus support line for help on 0808 196 3651.
Thanks to its Tackling Loneliness Digitally programme, the British Red Cross in England can help people access technology and data (subject to location and availability) and offers one-to-one advice about getting online. The scheme runs until mid-December.
Wherever people are in the UK, those who are already able to get onto the internet can access a great toolkit of resources for adults and young people, including online group sessions and digital classrooms, as well as thought-provoking podcasts where others share their experiences of tackling loneliness.
- If you are feeling lonely and would like to reach out call the British Red Cross coronavirus support line on 0808 196 3651 or access the charity’s online loneliness resources at www.redcross.org.uk/loneliness-resources
- Sign up to take part in the gaming challenge on Tiltify at www.tiltify.com/british-red-cross/anti-loneliness
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