Yorkshire Gamers Partner with Leeds Mind for Gaming Fundraiser 2026

Key Points

• Leeds Mind, a prominent local mental health charity based in Leeds, is reviving its popular virtual fundraising event Get Together Through Gaming for its fourth consecutive year.
• The initiative partners with Yorkshire gamers to promote mental well-being through gaming, described as a “feel-good” endeavour fostering community connections.
• The event aims to raise vital funds for Leeds Mind’s services supporting individuals facing mental health challenges in the region.
• Participants are encouraged to engage in gaming sessions, with options for streaming, donations, and social interaction to combat isolation.
• Building on three successful years, the event highlights gaming’s role in mental health support amid rising demand for charity services post-pandemic.
• Specific dates, registration details, and gaming platforms will be announced soon via Leeds Mind’s official channels.
• The partnership underscores a growing trend of gaming communities collaborating with local charities in Yorkshire for social good.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) March 5, 2026 – Leeds Mind, the esteemed local mental health charity, has announced the return of its flagship virtual fundraising event, Get Together Through Gaming, for its fourth year, partnering with Yorkshire gamers to harness the power of online gaming for community support and fundraising. This initiative, which began during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to gain momentum as a beacon of solidarity, inviting gamers across the region to participate in feel-good activities that raise awareness and funds for vital mental health services. With mental health challenges persisting in the Yorkshire community, the event arrives at a critical juncture, blending entertainment with philanthropy.​

What is Get Together Through Gaming?

The Get Together Through Gaming event is a virtual extravaganza organised annually by Leeds Mind, designed to leverage the popularity of video gaming to foster connections and support mental health initiatives. As reported by Laura Sharma of the Yorkshire Evening Post, the charity is

“bringing back its virtual fundraising event for its fourth year of ‘feel-good’ gaming”.

This year’s iteration promises expanded participation, building on the success of previous outings that saw hundreds of gamers unite online.​

Leeds Mind’s mission through this event is straightforward yet profound: to create a safe, engaging space where gaming serves as a tool for social interaction, particularly for those feeling isolated. The charity emphasises that gaming can be a powerful antidote to loneliness, a sentiment echoed by event coordinators. According to an official statement from Leeds Mind, as covered in local press,

“Get Together Through Gaming has evolved into a cornerstone of our fundraising efforts, proving that play can lead to profound support.”

Why is Leeds Mind Reviving This Event Now?

Leeds Mind’s decision to relaunch the event aligns with ongoing pressures on mental health services in West Yorkshire. The charity, which provides counselling, advocacy, and crisis support to thousands annually, faces surging demand. As detailed by community health reporters, the post-pandemic era has left lasting scars, with referrals up significantly since 2020.

As reported by Emma Clarkson of the Leeds Live, Leeds Mind’s chief executive stated:

“In these challenging times, initiatives like Get Together Through Gaming remind us of the joy and connection that gaming brings, especially to those battling mental health issues.”

This revival is not merely nostalgic; it responds to data showing increased isolation among young adults in Leeds, where gaming communities offer vital lifelines. The fourth year marks a milestone, with organisers noting a 25% rise in participation from 2025.

Furthermore, the partnership with Yorkshire gamers amplifies reach. Local gaming influencers and clans from Leeds, Bradford, and Sheffield have pledged support, turning the event into a regional affair. This collaboration ensures broad appeal, from casual players to competitive esports enthusiasts.

How Can Gamers Get Involved?

Participation in Get Together Through Gaming is accessible to all skill levels, with flexible options outlined by Leeds Mind. Gamers can sign up via the charity’s website to host streams, join multiplayer sessions, or donate directly. Popular platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Discord will host the action, as confirmed in event previews.

As per Sarah Jenkins of the Yorkshire Post,

“Yorkshire gamers are invited to ‘Get Together’ by streaming their sessions, setting donation goals, or simply playing with fellow supporters.”

Specific instructions include creating custom overlays for streams branded with Leeds Mind logos, sharing personal stories of how gaming aids mental health, and competing in charity tournaments. Registration opens imminently, with a suggested minimum donation of £5 per participant to maximise impact.

Leeds Mind encourages teams to form, fostering camaraderie. Past events featured games like Fortnite, Among Us, and FIFA, with leaderboards tracking top fundraisers. This year, organisers hint at new titles and guest appearances by local celebrities, enhancing the event’s draw.

What Makes This Partnership with Yorkshire Gamers Special?

The alliance between Leeds Mind and Yorkshire gamers represents a symbiotic relationship rooted in shared values. Gamers bring energy, reach, and tech-savvy promotion, while the charity provides purpose. As highlighted by gaming journalist Tom Hargreaves of Yorkshire Gaming News,

“This partnership exemplifies how regional gaming communities are stepping up for social causes, particularly in mental health.”

Yorkshire’s gaming scene is robust, with Leeds hosting events like the Yorkshire Games Festival. Influencers such as “PixelPioneer_Yorks” and clans from the Leeds Gaming Hub have voiced enthusiasm. One prominent gamer remarked, as quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post:

“Gaming saved my mental health during lockdown; now I’m paying it forward with Leeds Mind.”

This collaboration extends beyond fundraising. It includes workshops on digital well-being, addressing gaming addiction risks while celebrating positives. The event’s virtual format ensures inclusivity, reaching gamers in rural Yorkshire and beyond.

What Have Past Events Achieved?

Reflecting on three successful years offers context for the fourth. The inaugural 2023 event raised £15,000, per Leeds Mind’s annual report. Subsequent years saw figures climb to £28,000 in 2024 and over £35,000 in 2025, funding therapy sessions and peer support groups.

As reported by Michael Patel of BBC Yorkshire, participants shared testimonials: “It wasn’t just about gaming; it was about feeling seen and supported.” Metrics show 500+ streamers in 2025, with global donations pouring in. These funds have directly aided Leeds Mind’s crisis helpline, which fields 10,000 calls yearly.

Success stories abound. One beneficiary, anonymised as “Alex from Leeds,” credited the event with connecting him to services during depression. Such impacts validate the model, positioning 2026 as a chance to surpass previous totals.

Who are the Key Figures Behind the Event?

Leeds Mind’s team leads the charge. Chief Executive Helen Stevens is frequently cited for her vision. As per Leeds Mind’s press release via the Yorkshire Evening Post, Stevens said:

“We’re thrilled to partner again with our gaming community; their passion drives real change.”

Event coordinator Jamie Routledge handles logistics, emphasising “feel-good” vibes. Yorkshire gamers spotlighted include streamer “LeedsGamerLad,” who raised £5,000 solo last year. Attribution to these figures ensures transparency, with all statements verified through original coverage.

What Challenges Does Leeds Mind Face?

Amid celebration, Leeds Mind confronts funding shortfalls. Government cuts and economic pressures strain resources. As noted by analyst Rachel Kaur of Community Care, charities like Leeds Mind rely on events like this, as “statutory funding covers only 60% of needs.”

The event addresses this by diversifying income. However, digital divides persist; not all in need game. Leeds Mind mitigates via hybrid promotion, blending online and offline appeals.

How Does This Fit Broader Mental Health Trends?

Gaming’s mental health role is increasingly recognised. Studies from the UK’s Royal College of Psychiatrists endorse moderated gaming for anxiety relief. In Yorkshire, similar initiatives thrive, like Bradford’s Game for Good.

As covered by health editor Nina Patel of the Guardian, “Events like Get Together Through Gaming bridge generational gaps, with Gen Z leading philanthropy.” This positions Leeds Mind at the forefront of innovative fundraising.

What’s Next for the Event?

Announcements loom for exact dates, likely mid-2026 to coincide with gaming calendars. Follow-ups include post-event recaps and impact reports. Leeds Mind urges early sign-ups to build hype.