Broadcast yourself for lots of hours to help raise funds for mental health charity.
November 15, 2021
[This unedited press release is made available courtesy of Game Developer and its partnership with notable game PR-related resource Games Press]
Author: Mind
What is Stream for Mind?
Stream for Mind is a timed streaming challenge to fundraise for mental health charity Mind. Supporters can take on one of the following timed challenges or choose their own.
Stream 5 hours: for the 1 in 5 children with a mental health problem who wait for over 6 months to see a mental health specialist.
Stream 15 hours: for the 1 in 15 people who attempt to take their own life each year.
Stream 23 hours: for the 23% of us who experience a mental health problem.
Everyone who takes part in Stream for Mind can pick the length of streaming challenge that’s right for them, or take part in a different kind of challenge with their stream.
Hashtag: #StreamForMind
When is it and how can I sign up?
Sign-up for free at:
Streamers can choose when they do their challenge and they don't need to complete it in one go. For example, it could be split over a week or month, and fundraising could take place during every stream until the hour's target is reached.
Why is it important?
Mental health problems affect one in four of us every year. Many of us will be feeling the lasting impact of the pandemic on our mental health and wellbeing, especially those of us with existing mental health problems. A recent survey by Mind of people’s mental health during the pandemic, found that more than half of adults and over two thirds of young people said that their mental health had got worse. Now, more than ever, we need to ensure we are there for everyone who needs us.
The money raised by Stream for Mind supporters will enable Mind to continue to provide services like the Infoline, legal line, and online peer support community, Side by Side. Since the start of the pandemic, the gaming and streaming community has helped to raise over £700,000, so far, for Mind.
How does gaming and streaming help our mental health?
Playing games can have a positive impact on our mental health by giving us time to relax, connect with others or try out new skills. Mind’s survey found that one in three (33%) young people and more than one in 10 (14%) adults with mental health problems coped with the pressures of the pandemic via gaming.
The top benefits of streaming and gaming on our mental health include:
Time and space to relax: For some of us, gaming can be positive for wellbeing. Online gaming can also help us form social connections. We might also use gaming as time for relaxation.
Encouraging us to learn and test new skills like team-working or problem-solving. Learning is one of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing and has been shown to enhance self-esteem, encourage social interaction and a more active life.
Connecting us to others: building a positive gaming community with others can help us socialise and connect. For some of us, it can help us talk more honestly about how we are feeling and when we are having a difficult time. It can also provide peer support, open up conversations, and create a supportive community.
Giving space to express yourself: There are many ways we can express ourselves creatively online through streaming and gaming. Some of us find that communicating online is a useful way to test how we’re feeling before sharing with others. Gaming and streaming can also allow us to express our imagination.
Quote from Mind:
Ian O’Reilly, Head of Community & Events Fundraising at Mind, says:
“Through Stream for Mind, we want to call upon supporters to channel the power of streaming to fundraise and stand with us in the fight for mental health. So many of us aren’t getting the support we need and are left feeling totally alone. Whatever you choose to do for your Stream for Mind, the money you raise will make a real difference to those of us with mental health problems. It will support our Infoline, giving someone a voice to talk to when things are too much, keep our online community Side by Side open for anyone feeling isolated, and help us to keep pushing people in power to protect our rights and support our needs.
“Stream for Mind also provides a chance to explore how gaming and streaming might be able to help your own mental health and wellbeing. This activity can help us to relax, socialise and find peer support, as well as offering a way to keep our mind stimulated, occupied and challenged.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Mind has created a Streaming and Gaming Wellbeing Guide with tips to help you stay safe and well when you’re taking part in streaming and gaming fundraising activities for Mind.
If you feel like gaming is starting to affect your wellbeing, you notice changes to your feelings, thoughts and behaviours or gaming is having an impact on your daily life - talk to someone you trust. The Mind website also has a resource for tips on looking after your mental health online.
If you’re struggling right now, take a look at Mind’s information and support, including if you need urgent help.
About Mind:
We’re Mind, the mental health charity. We provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. We won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets both support and respect. mind.org.uk
Mind has a confidential information and support line, Mind Infoline, available on 0300 123 3393 (lines open 9am - 6pm, Monday – Friday)
For information and support on staying mentally healthy at this time, visit www.mind.org.uk/coronavirus
Our online mental health community Side by Side is a safe space where anyone aged 18 and over with experience of a mental health problem can share their story, connect with others, access Mind’s wider information and resources, and give support in return. Find out more at www.sidebyside.mind.org.uk
Mind offers free resources for employers to help improve mental wellbeing. For more information, visit mind.org.uk/work
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