News / New charity promotes gaming for health
A YOUNG Lerwick man based in London has launched a new charity that aims to provide games consoles for children in hospitals across the country.
James Stewart has formed the UK arm of the Get-Well Gamers Foundation, which has linked up with hundreds of hospitals in the US since it was formed in 2001.
The former chairman of Shetland Skatepark Association is asking people to donate any unused consoles and games to the foundation, which will then be passed on to children in hospitals.
Get-Well Gamers UK has already linked up with the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London and the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital.
The 25 year old, who works at Westminster for MP Alistair Carmichael, said using computer games in hospitals has proved to have a positive impact on children.
“Hospitals have play specialists and play teams for a good reason,” he said.
“Recreational therapy is a big part of helping young people cope with their hospital visit.
“Children can understandably be anxious during hospital stays. Video gaming is engaging and provides a great outlet for anyone.
“The play specialists that I have spoken to already have reaffirmed to me their belief that video gaming is a very popular and very effective form of play therapy – I’m delighted that we will be supporting their great work.”
Stewart founded the UK charity after he noted the number of unused games he owned that were left gathering dust and wanted to put them to good use.
“One day I was playing my Xbox 360 and realised that I had a stack of games which I no longer played.
“I had heard about Get-Well Gamers Foundation (GWGF) in the US and I emailed the founder Ryan Sharpe, asking if they had a UK affiliate that I could donate to.
“He said that they had no UK arm but were looking to expand across the pond and offered me the chance to lead the UK effort.”
The charity takes donations of working consoles and games both old and new, whilst they will also accept accessories, laptops and tablet devices.
Stewart, who is supported by three other trustees, added: “The easiest way to contribute is to hop on to our website and go to our donate page.
“All you need to do is fill out a form with your information and what you want to give and someone from the team will be in touch.”
Chris Cope
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