Games industry mental health charity Safe In Our World will host its second annual Press Pause charity fundraiser this fall. The event, which runs from October 27th through October 31st, asks participants to press pause on life and play games to help the organisation raise awareness and offer mental health resources in the games industry. Audiovisual tech company Elgato sponsors this year’s fundraiser.
“At Safe In Our World, we embrace using games to escape when we need to, as they provide a healthy outlet for processing difficult emotions, even if it’s on a subconscious level,” says Safe In Our World content and community manager Rosie Taylor. “This is why we’re encouraging streamers and creators to get involved and help us promote the benefits of gaming for mental wellbeing while raising money for and awareness of the value of mental health support for our community.”
Press Pause Raised £10,000 Last Year
Last year, Safe In Our World raised £10,000 through the event. This year, the charity aims to raise even more. Creators are invited to raise money for the charity through challenges, streams and raffles. Elgato promises to reward the first 20 fundraisers to reach £500. Additionally, Elgato pledges to match funds raised up to £10,000.
Tom Hildreth, Senior Partnerships Manager at Elgato said, “We are both excited and extremely proud to support Press Pause 2023. Mental health is such a hugely important aspect of everyone’s lives, and we’re glad that great organisations and charities like Safe In Our World are championing the cause and raising awareness
“Through campaigns like this, we hope more people will realise they aren’t alone and the emotions they are dealing with are normal, not something to be ashamed of or feel the need to hide. So, please consider joining us to raise some money and awareness on the topic and even get some goodies to upgrade your stream while doing it.”
Safe In Our World is also offering a custom Press Pause Game Boy with a rechargeable battery to all fundraisers who raise £1,000 or more. Corporations that donate £3,000 or more will receive a custom Game Boy featuring the company’s branding. Direct donations can be made via Tiltify. Those wishing to participate can sign up to create their own fundraiser through the event’s Tiltify page.
Jack Brassell is a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist. Jack is a self-proclaimed nerd with a lifelong passion for storytelling. As an author, Jack writes mostly horror and young adult fantasy. Also an avid gamer, she works as the lead news editor at Hardcore Droid. When she isn't writing or playing games, she can often be found binge-watching Parks & Rec or The Office, proudly considering herself to be a cross between Leslie Knope and Pam Beasley.
