Extended reality (XR) is opening new possibilities in mental health care, offering immersive and personalised support for people who need it most. But what’s currently being used? And what projects are underway? Those were just some of the questions that were discussed at our latest event with Health Innovation Network (HIN) South London.
Julie Traynor
Engagement Manager
In partnership with HIN South London, we brought together a diverse community of innovators, clinicians, academics, and third sector leaders to explore how immersive technologies are reshaping serious mental health illnesses.
Aligned with Innovate UK’s £20 million Mindset Programme, the event showcased how immersive digital therapeutics are being developed and supported to enhance mental health services across the UK. In addition, the last round of funding has supported over 70 projects, 80% of which target lower socio-economic groups that has resulted in the creation of over 63 jobs and attracted £2.1 million in follow-on funding from private investors. The Mindset-XR Innovator Support Programme, which underpins this work, is helping innovators develop their ideas into market-ready solutions that meet the needs of patients and professionals alike.
We welcomed a wide range of stakeholders to the event, from academia, industry, health, social care, the third sector and people with lived experiences. This brought together an incredible mixture of experiences, points of view and exciting work from across sectors.
The transformative potential of extended reality (XR) in mental health
A central theme was the growing evidence that XR and immersive digital therapeutics can deliver more effective, accessible, and personalised mental health support. With one in five adults in the UK experiencing mental health conditions, the need for scalable, innovative solutions has never been greater. XR technologies, like virtual reality nature sessions and immersive breathing exercises, are already demonstrating their ability to enhance wellbeing and reach people who might otherwise struggle to access traditional services.
Co-production and lived experience at the heart of innovation
One message was clear; people with lived experience need to be involved in the design and delivery of mental health interventions. Projects like ‘Walking in Our Shoes’ are redefining support for individuals living with limb loss by ensuring that those directly affected are central to the creation and testing of new resources. This commitment to co-production ensures that innovations are grounded in real needs and have genuine impact.
Overcoming barriers through strategic funding and support
While the potential of XR is clear, innovators consistently highlighted the challenge of securing funding to bring their ideas to life. Programmes like Mindset-XR, backed by Innovate UK, are crucial in providing the financial and ecosystem support needed to turn promising concepts into market-ready solutions. Strategic investment not only accelerates progress but also helps build a supportive environment where innovation can thrive.
The power of cross-sector collaboration
Perhaps the most significant takeaway from the event was the value of collaboration across sectors. By bringing together expertise from academia, health and care, industry, and the third sector, the event demonstrated how collective effort can drive meaningful change. The diversity of perspectives and experiences shared underscored that no single organisation or discipline can tackle the complexities of mental health alone. It is through partnership and shared purpose that real-world impact is achieved.
The event served as a powerful reminder that the future of mental health care depends on innovation, inclusion, and collaboration. By focussing on these key themes, we can ensure that new technologies like XR are not just exciting possibilities, but practical tools that improve lives and transform care for all.
Interested in learning more about the Mindset XR programme? Visit HIN South London’s website.