Guild to Host HARRY’S “Talk Squad” in Partnership with Shout

Guild Gaming, in partnership with leading men’s care brand Harry’s and charity mental health service Shout, is excited to host the Talk Squad - unique, trial mental health sessions, aimed at fostering mental health awareness within the gaming community.

Through this initiative, gamers can access free, confidential mental health support from Shout’s trained professionals in a familiar and interactive setting.

Launching this November, in conjunction with Men's Health Awareness Month, Talk Squad brings mental health support directly into the gaming space, offering one-to-one 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.

Nick Westwood, Chief Creative Officer 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.”

The Talk Squad initiative will run from Thursday, 28 November, to Wednesday, 18 December, allowing gamers to schedule 1-to-1 sessions with Shout-trained clinicians while playing popular games. Bookings can be made through giveusashout.org/talksquad.

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.”

To launch the service, a live stream on Twitch on Tuesday, 19 November will give the public an insight into how the sessions work. Influencers will play a one-on-one game with a Shout clinician while simultaneously having a chat and getting support for anything that they may need a helping hand with.

The livestream will be hosted by Iain Chambers and the influencers attending the launch event will be Jaackmaate, Jae1ee, Stevie White and TN25. AngryGinge will also make an appearance on the livestream. You can watch the live stream here.

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, confidential 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.”

Findings from Talk Squad will be evaluated to explore the potential for future mental health support initiatives within gaming and beyond, with the goal of broadening accessible, innovative digital mental health solutions tailored to meet people where they are.