The collaboration between the VR Hive and Redhill High School — an independent, co-ed school in West Wales — aims to address the growing need for effective mental health interventions for children and adolescents. Arisaig Isle, an immersive VR environment, combined with the support of Verbee, an AI coach companion, offers the potential for children to manage their anxiety in a safe space.

Arisaig Isle — which has been developed with input from mental health professionals and educators — provides a range of customisable experiences, allowing students to engage in therapeutic activities linked to STEM and PSHE outcomes that foster emotional well-being and relaxation.

Meanwhile, the Verbee AI coach companion utilises artificial intelligence technology to interact with users, providing personalised guidance and support. Verbee is designed to be a responsive, empathetic companion that assists children in developing healthy coping strategies — especially regarding General Anxiety Disorder — and building resilience.

Together, Redhill and the VR Hive will work closely during the project’s testing phase, with the school providing feedback to help refine and better the user experience.

The successful implementation of this initiative has the potential to improve mental health support for young people.

“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,” said Anne Widdop, the founder of The VR Hive, on the partnership.

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Mr Alun Millington, Headteacher and Director of Redhill High School, also commented, saying: “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.”

This new partnership is the latest development in the VR Hive using virtual reality in a bid to help tackle a range of challenges. At the end of 2021, DIGIT reported on the VR Hive’s Planet Pollinate game, which Widdop positioned as a way to make learning experiences more immersive.