Mental health is a vital issue for young Australians, particularly gamers, so Twitch has teamed up with yourtown’s Kids Helpline to tackle it head on.
Taking place over late August and Early September, the ‘Truth ‘n Loot’ campaign features local Aussie streamers Naysy, Chanzes, Panda and the duo of Skill Up and Laymen Gaming as they aim to normalise mental health issues and encourage young people to speak up.
‘Truth ‘n Loot’ will take place during four live-streamed Fortnite battles designed to give young Aussie gamers a chance to speak up about the issues that they’re facing and get the help that they need.
In a press release, yourtown/Kids Helpline Head of Marketing and Fundraising, Tracey Gillinder, said, “The partnership between Kids Helpline and Twitch aims to encourage conversation, particularly with teenage boys, by reaching them at the early intervention stage of any mental health concerns. Mental health concerns are the number one reason children and young people contacted Kids Helpline last year. Through this collaboration we are encouraging teens to talk about what’s worrying them every day instead of waiting for a crisis situation.”
The release says half of all mental health issues emerge by age 14, and three quarters by the age of 24. The event aims to tackle this problem early on by encouraging young people to speak openly and early.
“Too many teenage boys are reluctant to ask for help. They are not big talkers and often keep concerns to themselves, we hope these gaming sessions show young boys how simple conversations can change the direction of an entire life by reducing the stigma around help seeking.”
The event will be an important step in reducing mental health stigma for young people, and in the wider gaming community.
Kids Helpline is a free and confidential 24/7 hotline and online service available for kids and who need it on 1800 55 1800.
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