Games mental health charity Safe in Our World names Dr. Gina Jackson OBE as CEO

Video games mental health charity, Safe in Our World has announced UK games industry veteran Dr. Gina Jackson OBE as CEO.

Safe in Our World is backed by over 50 games companies including 505, Sega and Embracer Group, and has campaigned for the removal of stigma around mental health in the games industry.

Dr. Gina Jackson OBE began her career in games development in 1992, most recently as development director at Sold Out, vice-chair of charity GamesAid and visiting professor in games industry and business at Norwich University. She was made an OBE in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

“Gina has been a key individual in the establishment of Safe In Our World, serving as a Trustee and lending her invaluable advice as the charity has grown,” said Leo Zullo, co-founder and chair of Safe In Our World.

“The Charity is at a level now where we needed to bring in the right expertise to lead Safe In Our World into the years ahead. After a hard year of lockdowns and COVID-19, the need to ensure our players and teams can find support is larger than ever.”

Dr. Gina Jackson OBE, commented: “I am absolutely honoured to be able to take up the position of CEO for this incredible charity. Whilst taking our first steps it was apparent that our goals to eliminate the stigma about mental health and to promote the dialogue surrounding mental health has resonated with both gamers and those who work in the industry.”

She continued, “From the companies engaging with the level up programme who are transforming workplaces to support wellbeing to the community manager mental health training, it is clear these are initiatives that are being welcomed by industry.

“The feedback we have been getting from our Safer Together discord server demonstrates the power and support that a positive online community can bring and the generosity of those who participated and donated during our May fundraiser continues to inspire us to provide resources, training and tell people’s stories so we can all feel empowered to talk about our mental health and seek support whenever we need or want it.”