Introduction
Safe In Our World is a mental health charity supporting people who play video games and those who make them. Registered in England and Wales under charity number 1183344, it operates with a global mission.
The charity provides mental health information, workplace resources, training and connections to support services. Its activities bring together games companies, industry professionals, content creators and gaming communities to encourage greater awareness and healthier working environments.
History and Background
Origins in the Games Industry
Safe In Our World developed from conversations among games industry professionals beginning in 2017. Its founders wanted to move beyond making donations to existing causes and create an organisation addressing mental health within their own industry.
The charity officially launched on 10 October 2019, World Mental Health Day. Its early focus was an online destination where players and industry workers could find information, personal stories and routes to appropriate support.
Expansion into Workplace Support
In May 2020, the charity launched Level Up Mental Health, encouraging games companies to develop workplace policies, improve mental health awareness and share support resources with employees and players. This initiative became a central part of its industry engagement.
Mission and Purpose
Safe In Our World aims to safeguard mental health across gaming communities and the video games industry. It seeks to reduce stigma, encourage open discussion and make it easier for people to find help.
Its approach combines personal storytelling, education and practical resources. The charity’s website includes a global directory of mental health support, while its workplace programmes help employers strengthen wellbeing practices.
The organisation also addresses industry pressures such as burnout, intensive working schedules and employment insecurity through awareness initiatives and workplace support.
Governance and Structure
Trustees and Operational Leadership
Safe In Our World has a board of trustees overseeing the management of its charitable activities. Its published trustee role description identifies oversight and the discharge of charity-law responsibilities as core board duties.
An operational team delivers programmes, partnerships, communications and fundraising. Ambassadors and patrons help extend its reach within the games industry and gaming communities.
Clinical Advisory Support
The charity established a Clinical Advisory Board in December 2020. Its announced remit included advising on clinical matters and bringing professional perspectives to relevant articles, research and other activities. This advisory function complements the organisation’s industry expertise.
Funding and Grants
Donations and Community Fundraising
Safe In Our World’s initial funding included royalties from Fractured Minds, a mental health-themed puzzle game, alongside support from founding trustees. It continues to invite public donations and fundraising contributions.
Community campaigns include Play Your Way, which encourages supporters to organise gaming activities, livestreams and other fundraisers. These contributions help finance training, resources and awareness work.
Charity Game Bundles
The charity also raises money through annual game bundles delivered with Fanatical and participating developers and publishers.
Its February 2026 bundle contained 22 games and raised US$263,582 in nine days, according to the charity’s announcement. Developers and publishers contributed game keys, while supporters purchased the bundle to fund its mental health mission.
The reviewed sources describe programme delivery and fundraising rather than a general grant application scheme for outside organisations.
Major Programs and Initiatives
Level Up Mental Health
Level Up Mental Health is free for companies across the global games industry. Participants receive resources to help introduce or improve workplace mental health strategies, policies and communications.
The programme asks employers to commit to practical improvements and reduce stigma. Its resources include an employer toolkit, training opportunities and downloadable materials.
Mental Health Star Accreditation
Launched in August 2025, the Mental Health Star Accreditation recognises workplace mental health and wellbeing practices within games companies. It provides employers with insights and guidance for improving support for their teams.
Resources for Players and Communities
The charity’s wider activities include Sidekick, a gaming-themed mental health journal, educational talks and resources for community managers.
Its collaboration with Ubisoft produced Good Game Playbooks for children, teenagers and parents, addressing online toxicity and wellbeing. A partnership with AbleToPlay introduced the Headspace game-discovery category in May 2026.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
Training and Industry Reach
In its June 2026 impact-report announcement, Safe In Our World reported supporting more than 70,000 industry employees with free mental health resources.
It also reported training more than 400 games industry professionals in mental health awareness and delivering US$450,000 worth of free training since its establishment. These are cumulative, organisation-reported figures rather than independently measured clinical outcomes.
Connecting People with Support
The charity reported signposting more than half a million people to support resources through its website. Fundraising enables it to maintain these resources and develop workplace programmes for companies of different sizes.
An earlier example is Jingle Jam 2020 funding, which supported the expansion of mental health first aid training for community managers.
Conclusion
Safe In Our World connects mental health advocacy with practical support for the games industry and its communities. Its free workplace programme, training, player resources and fundraising partnerships provide several routes for companies and individuals to contribute.
For prospective donors and partners, its published impact information offers a starting point for understanding how contributions support mental health awareness and access to resources.
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