Talk Squad Offers Free Mental Health Support Through Gaming Sessions

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.

Talk Squad comes from the leading men's care brand Harry's, in partnership with Guild Gaming and Shout, the UK’s only 24/7 text messaging support service for free mental health support. Brilliant!

Talk Squad Important Details

Talk Squad is described as a "unique, trial mental health session." The first Talk Squad initiative runs from Thursday, 28 November to Wednesday, 18 December 2024, and will allow gamers to schedule one-on-one sessions with clinicians trained by Shout, all while playing some 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:

Launching this November, in conjunction with Men's Health Awareness Month, Talk Squad brings mental health support directly into the gaming space, offering 1-to-1 sessions in environments where men feel at ease, helping break down barriers to support. This initiative aims to create a safe and engaging environment where individuals can openly share their experiences with mental health professionals, all while gaming.

Each session is up to 40 minutes long.

Before the launch of the service, there's a livestream on Twitch on 19 November 2024 (18:00 to 21:00 UTC), which will give the public insight into Talk Squad and how it works, with influencers playing games while having a chat with a Shout clinician. 

The livestream will feature host Iain Chambers alongside influencers Jaackmaate, Jae1ee, Stevie White, and TN25. AngryGinge will also make an appearance.

• Watch the Talk Squad livestream here.

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

At Harry’s, we believe mental health support should be accessible wherever people feel most comfortable—whether that’s in the workplace, at home, or in the virtual worlds where many of us spend our free time. With Talk Squad, we’re excited to provide a platform where gamers can openly discuss mental health, supported by Shout’s skilled team. It’s an opportunity to make support more accessible, meeting people where they are and fostering open conversations in spaces that matter.

Sarah Kendrick, Clinical Director at Shout said:

Despite the prevalence of mental health challenges amongst men in the UK, men are often reluctant to seek help. But talking about mental health can strengthen emotional resilience and foster healthier coping strategies. 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, condential and non-judgemental digital service. Through Talk Squad, we're hoping to offer a way to support men that aligns with their interests and provides a relaxed environment in which to have a meaningful conversation about mental health.

Nick Westwood, Chief Creative Ofcer at Guild Gaming said:

We are honoured at Guild to be involved in such an important cause, one that has not been raised enough, particularly in the gaming space. We hope that Talk Squad will get the ball rolling for a wider conversation around mental health in gaming, whether that is talking things through with your online squad. This initiative will encourage men to talk more about their emotions, and provide them with a more comfortable space to speak in.

Well done, Harry's, Shout, and Guild Gaming! Talk Squad is undoubtedly a fantastic initiative, and we can't wait to see how it all turns out.