Mental health tech innovator XR Therapeutics has adapted its tools for use with people convicted of serious offences.
The NHS and Newcastle University spin-out company has started working with Cumbria, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust to trial its technology in the support of rehabilitation. XR's technology is being used to support offenders whose risk of harm to others is influenced by their psychological difficulties.
The Gateshead-based firm uses immersive technology to create custom-made scenarios which link to a person's anxieties and fears, with therapists using the tool to help the person work through situations which trigger them. XR says it has already seen results in other areas - particularly in people for whom more traditional therapies have failed.
In applications away from offenders, it is said to have 94% positive outcomes from patients who have undergone the treatment. Now the process is being adapted so it can be used for people on probation and give frontline staff a means to deliver more holistic care.
Penny Day, chief operating officer of XR Therapeutics said she is looking forward to the partnership delivering some real results. She added: "We鈥檙e incredibly proud to be working alongside Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear Probation Services, who are doing vital work to support individuals as they rebuild their lives and futures.
"With approximately 38% of people under probation supervision experiencing mental health challenges, and many facing co-occurring issues like substance misuse, the need for accessible and effective support is evident. Innovative approaches, such as integrating our digital mental health tools, can play a pivotal role in complementing the efforts of probation practitioners.
"This partnership reflects a progressive step towards holistic rehabilitation and a shared commitment to meeting people where they are, by offering tools that can help reduce distress, build confidence, and support lasting change. We鈥檙e honoured to be a part of the work these teams are doing every day to create more inclusive and hopeful pathways forward.鈥
XR combines cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with virtual reality (VR) technologies to treat patients. It uses extended reality (XR) technology delivered across laptops, TV screens and projector systems and is designed to be affordable and accessible.
Last year the firm secured 拢925,000 in an investment round led by the North East Innovation Fund, supported by the European Regional Development Fund and managed by Northstar Ventures, alongside angel backers. At the time, XR said the funding was a massive boost to its growth efforts, allowing it to invest in technologies, develop business strategies and hire more staff 鈥 all with the goal of helping people overcome challenges.
Around the same time, XR launched its Boundless software system, which it said makes access to treatment as easy as making a Zoom call - and allowing remote patients to access support.
