Redhill High School in Clynderwen proudly announces its partnership with The VR Hive, a leading virtual reality (VR) company based in Glasgow, to develop and test an innovative immersive environment designed to promote positive mental health for children aged 11-17.
The state-of-the-art space, set to revolutionise mental health support for young people, features Verbee, an AI coach companion created specifically to assist children suffering from General Anxiety Disorder.
This exciting collaboration between Redhill High School and The VR Hive aims to address the growing need for effective mental health interventions for children and adolescents. With anxiety affecting a significant number of young people, Arasaig Isle, an immersive VR environment, combined with the support of Verbee, an AI coach companion, offers a timely solution that empowers children to manage their anxiety in a safe, nurturing space.
Anne Widdop, the founder of The VR Hive, said: “Collaborating with leaders in the educational sector is critical to developing the best solution for the challenges being faced by children today, which is why we are excited to be working with a sector-leading school like Redhill.”
Mr Alun Millington, Headteacher and Director of Redhill High School said: “We are thrilled to partner with The VR Hive in this groundbreaking project. Mental health is a top priority for us, and we believe that incorporating technology, like Verbee and the immersive VR environment, into our support system will make a substantial difference in the lives of our students.”
The Verbee AI coach companion utilises advanced artificial intelligence technology to interact with users, providing personalised guidance and support based on individual needs. Verbee is designed to be a responsive and empathetic companion that assists children in developing healthy coping strategies and building resilience at the point of need.
The immersive environment, Arasaig Isle, has been thoughtfully developed by The VR Hive, with input from mental health professionals and educators. It provides a diverse range of customisable experiences tailored to users’ preferences, allowing students to engage in therapeutic activities linked to STEM and PSHE outcomes that foster emotional well-being and relaxation.
Redhill High School and The VR Hive will work closely together during the project’s testing phase, with the school providing invaluable feedback to refine and enhance the user experience. The successful implementation of this initiative has the potential to transform mental health support for young people, paving the way for a healthier and happier future.