Talk Squad Offers Free Mental Health Support Through Gaming Sessions

As a gamer who has spent countless hours immersed in virtual worlds and communities, I can wholeheartedly say that initiatives like Talk Squad are a game-changer. It’s heartening to see companies like Harry’s, Shout, and Guild Gaming taking steps to address mental health issues within the gaming community, which is often overlooked.


Gaming doesn’t need to be just about clicking heads and shouting at each other through a microphone. Through video games, people can unite, build communities, and support each other through the toughest of times. That’s why I am so happy to be able to report on Talk Squad, an initiative where mental health support is offered to gamers for free via a month-long series of gaming sessions.

The Talk Squad is a collaboration between the popular men’s grooming brand Harry’s, gaming platform Guild Gaming, and Shout, a round-the-clock text messaging service offering complimentary mental health assistance in the UK. Isn’t that fantastic?

Talk Squad Important Details

Talk Squad Offers Free Mental Health Support Through Gaming Sessions

As a gaming enthusiast, I’d describe the Talk Squad as an exceptional, interactive mental health support platform. From Thursday, 28 November to Wednesday, 18 December 2024, this innovative initiative is open for scheduling. During these sessions, gamers like me can engage in one-on-one chats with skilled clinicians who’ve been trained by Shout, all while enjoying our favorite video games.

  • Make your Talk Squad booking today: giveusashout.org/talksquad

The official announcement of Talk Squad, via a Press Release we’ve received, reads:

Beginning in November, during Men’s Health Awareness Month, Talk Squad will be debuting its service. This service will provide mental health assistance within the gaming world, offering one-on-one sessions in comfortable environments that men are accustomed to. The goal is to remove barriers to support by creating a secure and interactive space where people can openly discuss their mental health concerns with professionals, while still enjoying their favorite video games.

Each session is up to 40 minutes long.

On the 19th of November, 2024, from 18:00 to 21:00 (UTC), there will be a live broadcast on Twitch. This event aims to provide the public with an understanding of Talk Squad and its operations. During this stream, influencers will engage in games while interacting with a Shout clinician.

Talk Squad Offers Free Mental Health Support Through Gaming Sessions

The live broadcast will showcase Iain Chambers joined by internet personalities Jaackmaate, Jae1ee, Stevie White, and TN25. Additionally, AngryGinge is scheduled to join in.

  • Watch the Talk Squad livestream here.

Maggie Hureau, Director of Social Impact at Harry’s, shared,

At Harry’s, we advocate for mental health assistance to be conveniently available wherever individuals feel most at ease, whether it’s during work hours, at home, or even within the digital environments we frequent during leisure time. Our new platform, Talk Squad, offers an engaging environment for gamers to freely express their feelings about mental health, backed by Shout’s professional team. This initiative aims to make support more approachable by meeting people where they are and promoting open dialogues in significant spaces.

Sarah Kendrick, Clinical Director at Shout said:

Although many men in the UK experience mental health issues, they often hesitate to seek assistance. Engaging in discussions about mental health can enhance emotional fortitude and encourage healthier problem-solving methods. Men tend to utilize support more effectively when it caters to their tastes, is conveniently available, and engaging. This is why they appreciate Shout’s free, confidential, and non-judgmental digital platform. Through our Talk Squad initiative, we aim to provide a supportive setting that aligns with men’s interests and fosters comfortable conversations about mental health.

Nick Westwood, Chief Creative Ofcer at Guild Gaming said:

At Guild, we feel privileged to contribute to such a significant issue, one that hasn’t received enough attention, especially within the gaming community. We aspire for Talk Squad to spark broader discussions on mental health in gaming, fostering open conversations among online friends about their feelings and experiences. This initiative aims to inspire more men to express their emotions freely and create a safer, more welcoming environment for such discussions.

Kudos to Harry’s, Shout, and Guild Gaming! The Talk Squad project certainly looks promising, and we’re eagerly anticipating its outcomes.

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2024-11-18 15:43