Content material Warning: Suicide. Self-harm.
Hovering charges of suicide and psychological well being problems have created one in every of our gravest present public well being crises — it’s been stated that even earlier than the COVID-19 pandemic, we had been going through “an epidemic of loneliness.” Gears of Battle has at all times stood for belonging, which is why on the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day, our message and promise is easy: By no means Battle Alone.
Right now, we’re proud to announce that The Coalition will donate 1% of internet income from all Gears of Battle video games and merchandise to organizations working to stop suicide and fight loneliness by means of psychological well being advocacy. This can be a multi-year dedication our studio is making to present again to our group and create real-world influence. We’re proud to announce Disaster Textual content Line as our first accomplice. As we proceed to develop and evolve this program, we hope to have the ability to accomplice with extra organizations world wide.
Disaster Textual content Line gives free, 24/7, high-quality text-based psychological well being help and disaster intervention within the US, UK, Canada and Eire by empowering a group of educated volunteers to help folks of their moments of want. Within the US, help is obtainable in each English and Spanish. Textual content ‘PAUSE’ to 741741 or WhatsApp at (443)-SUPPORT to achieve volunteer Disaster Counselors out there 24/7 that can assist you or a buddy by means of any psychological well being disaster.
“In 2021, we had 1.3 million conversations with texters who wanted assist with points like nervousness, melancholy and suicide. We’re honored to accomplice with The Coalition & the Gears of Battle franchise to extend entry to psychological well being help and suicide prevention providers. Partnerships like this are so crucial to addressing the psychological well being disaster in America and reaching our imaginative and prescient for an empathetic world the place no one feels alone,” says Dena Trujillo, CEO at Disaster Textual content Line.
Globally, the speed of suicide is alarmingly excessive. Within the US, suicide charges and emotions of disappointment and hopelessness are rising, particularly with younger folks. Suicide is a number one reason behind loss of life that’s utterly preventable.
Themes of loss, grief, trauma, and even suicide have featured closely in our video games. We construct connection once we course of onerous issues collectively, and the beating coronary heart of Gears of Battle has at all times been about belonging and connection. Our By no means Battle Alone initiative permits us to not simply speak about what it means to be there for one another however put our phrases into on a regular basis motion.
Followers who need to share of their help of the By no means Battle Alone program can accomplish that in a number of methods:
- First and most significantly, we encourage everybody to take a second to examine in on family and friends as we speak. A small gesture like a textual content, DM, Xbox message or perhaps a name goes an extended technique to letting somebody know that you just care.
- Save “Textual content PAUSE to 741741” in your telephone so you’ve it as a contact everytime you may want it.
- Be a part of the dialog about suicide prevention, provide phrases of help and share Disaster Textual content Line with individuals who could also be struggling on our @GearsofWar Twitter channel or comply with together with #NeverFightAlone.
- Put on your help with the 2022 By no means Battle Alone profit tee from the Xbox Gear Retailer or Sport Planet for these in Mexico. Designed by our shut buddy, Luke Preece, all proceeds from the acquisition of this particular version tee will go on to Disaster Textual content Line.
- Microsoft Rewards members in the US can earn and donate factors this weekend to Disaster Textual content Line by enjoying any Gears of Battle sport. Obtain the Microsoft Rewards app on Xbox to earn factors and donate as we speak.
For extra data on By no means Battle Alone and our donation please go to gearsofwar.com/neverfightalone
