FAQs

Ready Player B is all about doing good while doing something you love - it’s an opportunity for you to stream your favourite video game and raise money for better mental health. By signing up and taking part, you can become Player B. So choose the game you love to play, at whatever difficulty, and together let’s make sure no child has to face mental health problems alone.

Whether you’re on a quest to defeat evil forces, building a new world, or even solving a murder mystery, choose the game you love to play, at whatever difficulty, and fundraise for Barnardo’s.  The only thing we ask is that you make sure to game responsibly. As an organisation, we don’t promote violence or content that may be triggering for those with mental health problems, so we hope that you’re also cool with that. 

If you’re looking for gaming inspiration, why not check out this list of games that Twitch has ranked in order of most-watched - there’s something there for everyone!

It can be tough growing up, and this past year has been especially difficult. Young people are more lonely, sad and stressed than before lockdown. And for many, gaming is a much-needed escape. A way to combat loneliness, feel connected to a community and get out of their own head, even if just for a little while. That is why we have created Ready Player B, as a way to raise money and help young people struggling with their mental health. 

It’s hard to deny that the online world offers endless opportunities for young people to make friends, have fun and learn new things. Gaming also has a proven benefit of helping improve children’s literacy and overall well being according to the research by the National Literacy Trust. Many young people when surveyed said that playing video games helped them either deal with, or escape from, stress and difficult emotions, and most parents said communicating with friends through video games during lockdown has been particularly helpful for their child's mental wellbeing.

We do, however, acknowledge the importance of responsible gaming and always want to encourage both children and adults to be safe online. That is why we are committed to investing in technology that supports and protects children’s mental health through interventions like our Swindon Trailblazers Service – a game designed to help mental health professionals deliver Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) interventions to young people.

If you are concerned about a child’s online behaviour check out our website for information on online safety.

The Pesky gNATs software is designed for use by mental health professionals who work with young people with anxiety or low mood. It is only available to appropriately qualified mental health professionals who have undergone training in how to use the software.

Absolutely - anyone can be a different kind of gamer, and become Player B. Check out this step-by-step guide to find out how to set up a gaming event from scratch.

Of course! Whether you’re going solo or joining a multiplayer team, you can be part of the Player B community.

Whenever works best for you, but make sure you let your followers know so they can be there to cheer you on.

1. Set up a Just Giving page, and follow our tips and tricks to level up your profile.
2. Choose the date for your streaming event, and start promoting!
3. Share your fundraising page everywhere, and invite family and friends to watch.
4. On the day of your event, why not think of some fun ideas to keep your supporters engaged? You could stream in fancy dress, perform an action every time a donation benchmark is met, or even allow your donors to choose the next game you play!
5. Feel proud! You are doing something amazing for vulnerable children and young people, while doing something you love.

There are plenty of helpful guides about there to help you stream your way to success! The Streamlabs Content Hub is a great place to start: it includes tutorials, tools and step-by-step guides covering all you need to know about live streaming.

Here’s our shortlist of the live streaming must-haves:

1. A PC with a camera and microphone
2. Streaming software, such as Streamlabs OBS (check it out, it’s free!)
3. An account on a streaming channel, such as Twitch or YouTube Live
4. A JustGiving fundraising page to overlay on your stream
5. A game to play, and lots of enthusiasm!

There is plenty of guidance on JustGiving to make your fundraising journey as simple as possible: check it out here!

Yes! Whether you’re a streamer or an offline gamer, you can become Player B and fundraise to make a difference to young people experiencing mental health problems. If you choose to host an offline gaming event, you can still set up a Just Giving page to boost your fundraising, or even pay in your offline donations directly to Barnardo’s here.

Promoting your stream on your own social media channels and to your own network of family, friends, colleagues and followers is the best way to go to hit your fundraising goals. You can download these social posts to promote Ready Player B and update friends and family at each step of your fundraising. Make sure you include a link to your online giving page to collect donations.  

Unfortunately, we won’t be able to promote your stream. But we would love you to tag us in your posts, and we will try our best to feature you in our stories. You can find us at @barnardos_uk on Instagram, @barnardos on Twitter, and @barnardos on Facebook. 

If you, or someone you know, needs urgent support, or just needs to talk, you are not alone. You can get help, at any time of the day or night, and talk about anything that’s troubling you, no matter how difficult. Find out here you can get the help you need.

Covid-19 is affecting us all, but some more than others.

Whatever your worry, Barnardo’s are here to help you with any difficulties and anxieties you’re experiencing as a result of the pandemic. You can get support the way you feel most comfortable: head over to our website to find out more.

We have also created an interactive hub for young people to access a range of materials, resources and much more to help deal with some of the challenges the pandemic has presented.

For more information and resources on gaming, please visit ygam. 

Get in touch with us on [email protected], or give us a ring on 0800 008 7005 - our fabulous Supporter Relations team will be happy to help with any questions you may have.