Worker co-operative Animorph has received funding from Innovate UK to advance its project aimed at preventing mental health relapses. The initiative, known as StayingWell XR, is one of 24 projects selected for support under Innovate UK’s £20 million Mindset programme.
The StayingWell XR technology is designed to aid clinicians in supporting individuals living with bipolar disorder, psychosis, depression, and anxiety disorders. The technology leverages mixed reality (MR) software, featuring a desktop interface where users can select and express symptoms relevant to their experiences. Through the use of an MR headset, patients can explore their “relapse signatures” alongside their therapists, creating a more personalized approach to managing their conditions.
Animorph, a member of the CoTech network—comprising over 50 science co-ops across the UK—leads the project in collaboration with Dr. Fergus Kane. Together, they aim to co-design a personalized “Staying Well Plan” that service users can develop in tandem with clinicians. The ultimate goal is to make this innovative app accessible to the millions of people in the UK who live with these mental health disorders.
Innovate UK’s Mindset programme focuses on fostering innovation in digital mental health therapy, particularly through the application of extended reality (XR) technologies. The programme supports a range of projects, from early-stage viability assessments to industry-led research, with the objective of improving treatment options for mental health care.
“By supporting projects that develop therapeutic interventions, Mindset is building a robust ecosystem to bring these innovations to market,” Innovate UK stated. “Through fostering collaboration between the immersive technology sector and mental health providers, Mindset aims to improve treatment options, offering faster, more cost-effective, and accessible support for individuals with mental health concerns.”
Animorph’s StayingWell XR is positioned as a pioneering tool in this evolving landscape, with the potential to significantly enhance the way mental health care is delivered in the UK.
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