A new virtual reality program developed in Orygen’s world-leading extended reality (XR) Lab will help young people find work and build confidence as part of their recovery from mental ill-health – all from inside a VR headset.
VR4VR (Virtual Reality for Vocational Recovery), which launched at Veritas House in Orange today, is designed to support young people experiencing mental ill-health to take the next steps toward employment.
The program, developed by Orygen and supported by life insurer TAL’s Community Foundation, simulates real workplace scenarios using VR technology, giving young people engaged with supported employment programs an opportunity to practise and learn in a safe, controlled environment.
With a launch also planned at Youth Focus in Perth in September, VR4VR is expected to help about 20 young people in a pilot trial this year.
Senior Research Fellow Dr Jennifer Nicholas, who leads the project, said the VR4VR program was a natural evolution of the Orygen XR lab’s work using immersive technology in mental health settings.
“Orygen’s extended reality program is world-leading, and applying it to vocational recovery was an obvious next step,” Dr Nicholas said.
“Employment is a crucial part of recovery for young people, and VR4VR helps them prepare for the realities of work, while supporting their wellbeing.
“Young people have told us they want more digital tools to support their mental health, and with TAL's support we have been able to create an innovative, evidence-informed program that will boost young people's skills for gaining and maintaining employment.”
There are three VR4VR sessions, each with a different scenario:
The VR experience is designed to complement the support already provided by employment specialists working in mental health services.
Alex Homer, TAL Chief Executive Customer and Brand, and Chair of TAL Community Foundation, said the program reflected TAL and Orygen’s shared commitment to improving community mental health outcomes.
“Mental ill-health is a significant challenge facing a growing number of young Australians and it requires new approaches. We’re proud to back Orygen’s innovative work using technology to help empower young people to build confidence, gain skills, and thrive in life and work.”
Following the pilot, the Orygen team intends to expand VR4VR, to enable more young people to access the program via other youth and community partners nationally.
About TAL
TAL is one of Australia's leading life insurance specialists. For over 150 years, TAL has been protecting people, not things. Together with its partners, TAL insures more than 5 million customers and offers life insurance through the following channels: direct to consumer; through a financial adviser; and via group and workplace superannuation schemes. TAL is part of the Dai-ichi Life Group, one of the world’s largest insurance groups.