Gaming Industry Initiative Aims To Spark 10,000 conversations To Tackle Lockdown Loneliness

Irwin Mitchell has agreed to support the Association for United Kingdom Interactive Entertainment’s (Ukie) Play&Talk campaign which launches as part of Loneliness Awareness Week.

Ukie is the trade body representing the gaming sector in the UK. It has devised the campaign to help tackle loneliness during the coronavirus lockdown by encouraging people to communicate with friends, family and people in their community through online gaming.

The Ukie campaign launches on Wednesday 17 June and culminates with the Play&Talk weekend on the 20th and 21st of June.

The aim over the two days is to encourage people to find one hour to play an online game with friends and families and spark 10,000 conversations across the UK to help counter loneliness.

Laura Harper, partner and games and interactive entertainment practice lead at Irwin Mitchell, said:

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“It’s vitally important people feel connected during these uncertain times.

“Games are a natural place for people to interact safely during the age of social distancing. We were very keen to support Ukie with this campaign and help to make a positive difference to people suffering from loneliness.”
Laura Harper - Partner

In April, Irwin Mitchell announced it is helping video game companies to navigate the coronavirus crisis by providing free legal advice to members of Ukie.

Loneliness Awareness Week (15-19 June) is run by the Marmalade Trust, a charity that raises awareness of loneliness and helps people to make new connections. Its vision is to create a society where anyone can talk freely and openly about loneliness.