Launch of our Virtual Reality Pilot

We’re excited to announce the launch of our Virtual Reality Pilot at Mersey Gardens, alongside our other ongoing commitments to improve our facilities and services, which includes the redevelopment of our large outdoor storage area to make an inclusive communal/sensory/meeting area.

The integration of Virtual Reality (VR) equipment into Mersey Gardens offers unique opportunities.

The objectives of this pilot are to:

• Enhance clients’ quality of life through immersive and engaging VR experiences.
• Provide cognitive stimulation and therapeutic interventions.
• Improve emotional wellbeing through immersive relaxation experiences.

The expected outcomes are to:

• Enhanced Quality of Life: Enriched experiences and improved emotional wellbeing.
• Therapeutic Benefits: Cognitive stimulation, relaxation, and sensory experiences.
• Innovation: Embracing innovative technologies to enhance care and support for individuals with Learning Disabilities.

Potential impact on our Clients could be:

• Up to 10 clients may find VR useful initially, with potential for up to 20 individuals in the long term if they are not necessarily using the headsets but through other output sources such as a TV/iPad.
• Integration into daily activities is expected to increase its popularity and positive impact.

VR Can Help Clients Overcome Real-life Challenges:

• VR technology offers a safe and controlled environment for clients to simulate real-life scenarios and practice essential skills.
• For our Clients, this can be particularly beneficial in overcoming challenges such as navigating busy roads or public transport.
• External Social Workers and family members already consulted have expressed how good it can be for doctors waiting rooms, or hospital appointments.

By experiencing these situations in VR, clients can develop confidence, improve decision-making abilities, and learn strategies to cope with real-world challenges effectively.

VR can help Clients to explore new cultural experiences:

> VR technology provides opportunities to explore new environments and cultural experiences. The list is long in terms of activities available, some examples of which are:

• Mountain walks in South America
• The Northern Lights
• Museum tours
• Safari Parks
• Roller coasters
• The Grand Canyon
• Amazon Rainforest

There are also religious and cultural benefits to VR, including tours for all major religions.

 Some examples are:

• • The Haj in Mecca
  • The Gaya in India
  • The Guru Nanak Temple
  • The Harmandir Sahib, India (Golden Temple)
  • The Vatican

Risks and mitigation:

• We’re mindful of potential risks and will implement control measures accordingly.
• We will share any individual risk assessments based on the individual client with the relevant professionals

We look forward to partnering with you in this exciting initiative. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.