Youturn brings Innovative VR Tool to Sunshine Coast this October

Youturn has once again partnered with the Big Anxiety Research Centre at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) to bring a pioneering mental health intervention to its headspace centres across South-East Queensland. The latest iteration of the Virtual Reality (VR) environment, Edge of the Present (EOTP), is now available for research at Youturn’s headspace centres, offering a cutting-edge solution to the growing mental health crisis among young Australians.

According to the 2021 Census, one-third of Australians have a diagnosed long-term health condition, with mental health issues surpassing all other chronic illnesses. The rising demand for mental health services, intensified by the pandemic and the national rental crisis, has left many young people struggling to access the support they need. In response, Youturn has integrated EOTP into its mental health programmes to address this urgent need.

Edge of the Present offers a transformative 10-minute VR experience, immersing users and inviting them to explore stunning landscapes through mixed-reality software. Designed to improve mood, well-being, and foster positive future thinking, the programme has shown significant effectiveness in alleviating feelings of hopelessness and promoting a sense of peace and mindfulness.

During Mental Health Month this October, the EOTP VR programme will be available free of charge at headspace Maroochydore for the entire month. This initiative provides a valuable opportunity for young people to access this innovative mental health tool while waiting for or between therapy appointments.

In addition to its availability at headspace Maroochydore, the EOTP VR experience will be showcased at Sunshine Coast Plaza during the week of 21st October, offering even more people the chance to explore this unique mental health resource.

“Around Australia, including here on the Sunshine Coast, young people are facing unprecedented challenges, and the demand for mental health services has soared,” said James Blevin, CEO of Youturn. “The EOTP VR programme offers a vital complement to traditional therapy, providing essential support for young people. We are thrilled to make this transformative tool widely accessible during Mental Health Month.”

The latest version of the EOTP VR programme has been refined for greater mobility, allowing it to be easily set up at Youturn’s headspace centres in Bundaberg, Caboolture, Gympie, Bribie Island and Toowoomba, in addition to Maroochydore. This expansion is made possible through a new partnership with Movember, extending the reach and impact of this groundbreaking mental health tool.

Professor Jill Bennett, who led the development of EOTP at UNSW, highlighted the importance of innovative approaches to mental health, especially in a post-pandemic world. “The return of EOTP to the Sunshine Coast during Mental Health Month demonstrates the need for new ways of thinking, imagining, feeling, and acting when it comes to mental health. This programme offers a practical and inspiring resource for young people who may struggle with traditional therapy methods.”

Youturn’s ongoing collaboration with UNSW, Black Dog Institute, and Movember underscores its commitment to exploring cutting-edge solutions for mental health and well-being. The return of the EOTP VR programme to the Sunshine Coast and its expansion to other regions reaffirms Youturn’s dedication to making mental health care more accessible and effective.

The EOTP VR programme will be available at Youturn’s headspace Maroochydore centre throughout October, free of charge. To book a session and participate in the research, or learn more about the programme, visit Youturn’s website or follow us on social media.

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About Youturn: Youturn is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting young people and families. With a focus on mental health, homelessness, and child safety, Youturn operates six headspace centres and offers a range of services to help individuals navigate life’s challenges.

About UNSW Big Anxiety Research Centre: The Big Anxiety Research Centre at UNSW is a world-leading research hub focused on the intersection of mental health, arts, and technology. The Centre explores innovative approaches to mental health care, including the use of virtual reality as a therapeutic tool.

About Movember: Movember is a leading charity changing the face of men’s health on a global scale, focusing on mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. Movember raises funds and awareness for these important issues and invests in groundbreaking projects around the world.