GAME TO GIVE: 80% of disabled gamers feel less lonely and isolated when gaming
Virgin Media O2, in partnership with disability charity Sense is encouraging gamers to help those experiencing chronic loneliness through the power of virtual volunteering this festive season.
Through Sense’s Virtual Buddying service, people across the country can volunteer to help combat the loneliness gap by participating in online activities with a disabled virtual buddy – who is matched to them based on their shared interests and passions.
The service was developed to help tackle loneliness in the disabled community. The charity’s research shows two thirds of disabled people experience chronic loneliness (feeling lonely every day), and sees a volunteer matched with a disabled person, enabling them to connect over common interests.
Gaming For Good
Virgin Media O2 and Sense are encouraging gamers to combine their passion for gaming with giving back to their community this Christmas by joining Sense’s Virtual Buddying service and matching with a disabled gamer.
New research by Virgin Media O2 reveals gaming can help close the loneliness gap for disabled gamers, with 80% saying it makes them feel less lonely and isolated and more than three quarters (77%) stating it helps them connect with others and build friendships.
In addition, more than 9 in 10 (92%) disabled gamers say they’ve found an online community through gaming, generating lasting friendships which they’ve held for more than five years.
More than two thirds of disabled gamers (68%) feel more confident making friends online than in person, while 78% admit to feeling less judgement with their gaming community existing in a virtual world compared to the real world. Encouragingly, more than three quarters (76%) feel gaming has changed their life for the better.
Alongside building connections online, the research identifies that disabled gamers feel the overwhelming benefits of gaming to their mental health, with 96% stating it has a positive impact. The benefits experienced include:
66% – helping to relax
59% – making friendships and feeling less lonely
49% – creating a feeling of accomplishment when completing tasks/levels
22% – providing a place for self-expression
Gareth Griffiths, Director, Partnerships and Sponsorship at Virgin Media O2, said: “Gaming has the power to create connections and build communities among people who may otherwise feel isolated. Through our partnership with Sense, we want to tackle the loneliness gap experienced by disabled players, break down barriers they face and bring more people together so they can play without limits.”
