The gaming event aiming to tackle youth homelessness is back

Gaming for Good, the annual gaming fair fundraising to end youth homelessness, is back again this month with support from the public and gamers across the UK.

Launched by charity collective End Youth Homelessness for the first time last year, its aim is to bring gaming enthusiasts from across the country together, in a bid to level the playing field for homeless young people.

Gaming for Good is calling on the public to set up their own gaming fundraisers through End Youth Homeless’s site, with an aim for each participant to raise £121 in support of the 121,000 young people facing homelessness. 

End Youth Homelessness is a UK-wide movement of 11 local charities who have joined forces to tackle youth homelessness together. They offer support services and housing to over 40,000 16- to 25-year-olds at risk of homelessness. Last year’s Gaming for Good event raised more than £40,000 for those in need.

“We know the cost of living crisis is forcing many people to make tough decisions but for homeless young people – who already receive lower minimum wage, more meagre benefits and have not got family to fall back on – it is catastrophic,” Nick Connolly, managing director of End Youth Homelessness told The Big Issue.

“By participating in Gaming for Good, you can connect with friends and family whilst directing vital funds to those organisations dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable young people across the UK.  We are delighted that a diverse community of gamers and influences have got behind Gaming for Good and can’t wait for the fun to begin!”

The charity report that £121 could pay for a move or pack of household essentials such as a toaster, kettle or bedding to help a young person successfully move into independent living. 

This year, Gaming for Good begins on February 12 and runs for two weeks. As it takes place online, anyone from around the UK can join. Here’s how to get involved in four steps.

Step one

Sign up and create a Game For Good fundraiser through Just Giving or the Gaming for Good website.

Step two

Choose how you will Game for Good. In its fundraising pack, End Youth Homelessness suggests a variety of options including:

• Battle of the branches. Ideal for businesses or offices with a handful of competitive teams under one roof. Pick a game, be that cards, a board game or on a console, and set up an in office tournament. If possible, charge for entry to help raise funds.

• Host a Video Gaming Tournament and charge an entrance fee.

• The Ultimate Forfeit: allow viewers or family and friends to give you forfeits in exchange for donations if you fail a level or lose a round you will have to complete the dare.

Step 3

Pick a date that you will hold your game on between February 12 and February 26.

Step four

Share your fundraiser on social media and get your family/friends/online community together and Game for Good.