Source: XR Today

Embracing Virtual Reality for a Healthier, Happier Community

Wigan Council has introduced virtual reality (VR) technology to its borough, providing residents with immersive experiences designed to improve health, wellbeing, and social engagement. According to Wigan Today, VR has been positively impacting the lives of people in this northwestern UK town.

This initiative is part of Wigan Council’s commitment to digital inclusion, ensuring communities can benefit from the latest technology in an accessible and enjoyable way.

Key Highlights of the VR Initiative

  • Virtual Reality for Everyday Life: Residents can use VR headsets to explore various experiences, from a virtual kitchen that helps plan and cook healthy meals to recreations of beloved holiday destinations.
  • Support from the Council: Councillor Nazia Rehman, Cabinet Member for Resources, Finance, and Transformation, stated, “Our Digital Wigan team is dedicated to helping residents overcome any worries or barriers they may have in accessing technology. We want to create a welcoming, educational, and fun environment for everyone.”
  • Real Impact on Residents: Seniors like Betty, 92, and Carys, 77, shared their heartwarming experiences with VR:
    • Betty: “It was lovely, it’s taken me back 20 years. I couldn’t have done this sort of thing when I was young, and I really, really enjoyed it.”
    • Carys: “My husband, who has dementia, and I revisited a lake from our childhood. We haven’t been able to return in years, and it brought back so many lovely memories.”
  • Upcoming Community VR Sessions: Residents can participate in the next two VR sessions at Higher Folds Community Centre in Leigh, Wigan, on August 19th and September 2nd.

The Growing Role of VR in Community Wellbeing

Wigan is not alone in using VR for social good:

  • West Midlands Violence Reduction Partnership uses VR in schools and communities to help tackle violence.
  • Social Worker Training: The University of Birmingham has developed a VR-based training programme for social workers.
  • Elderly Care Solutions: Lenovo has partnered with immersive healthcare company Rendever to provide VR experiences to elderly patients, improving their quality of life.

This initiative highlights the increasing role of VR in improving lives—helping people connect, relive precious memories, and even develop new skills.

Final Thoughts

Wigan Council’s pioneering approach shows how technology can create meaningful experiences for individuals across different age groups. As virtual reality continues to evolve, it is set to become an even more valuable tool in promoting health, education, and community engagement.

Would you like to experience VR? If you’re in Wigan, don’t miss the upcoming sessions at Higher Folds Community Centre!

📢 Stay connected for more updates on innovative community projects!

#VirtualReality #CommunityCare #ElderlyWellbeing #WiganCouncil #DigitalInclusion #VRForGood