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Supported by the Men’s Health Charity Movember, Gamers vs Depression (GVD) is a global mental health project that uses esports to teach gamers about the importance of mental health, self-care, and social connections.

Launched this week, Gamers vs Depression is aiming to establish whether esports can be used as a vehicle to deliver depression literacy programmes to gamers around the world.

Gamers vs Depression founder, Dr John Mills said “We want to equip gamers with knowledge around mental health disorders so they can better support each other.”

The organisation is currently conducting a closed beta test of its programme and looking for around 200 volunteers to give feedback.

In addition to their depression literacy programme, Gamers vs. Depression also provide access to resources to improve gaming performance, improve sleep hygiene, create positive exercise routines, maintain a nutritious diet, as well as a parents guide to supporting gamers. “Everything is free to access” says Dr Mills. 


Play Aid X Movember Announce New Agreement

Using the money raised by our epic community, we’ve been able to fund 11 new mental health initiatives including [Gamers vs Depression](https://gamersvsdepression.org/).

Gamers vs Depression uses online gaming as a vehicle for developing depression literacy and better social connections in adolescent males. Delivered by Play Aid based in Colchester, Essex, the aim is for ‘gaming teams’ to act as a social/peer-support group where young men can openly discuss challenges outside of their immediate network in a safe and supportive manner. 

###### " People have been turning to gaming to fulfil that social connection we’ve not been able to have had in person over the last year. "

The funding comes through our Social Connections Challenge; aimed at identifying strategies that will strengthen the social connections of men who are struggling with isolation and poor mental health, particularly in the wake of COVID-19 lockdowns.


Press release originally shared <https://uk.movember.com/story/gaming-as-a-vehicle-to-engage-young-men-around-their-mental-health>


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Play Aid X Movember Announce New Agreement

Using Gaming to Support Young Men's Mental Health