Groundbreaking VR mental health intervention trialled in Wales
SEPTEMBER 4th 2025
A trial programme of mental health support delivered via a virtual reality headset is underway in Wales.
The programme developed by mental health charity New Horizons in partnership with Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTMUHB) utilises mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT) techniques to target improvement in an individual’s mental wellbeing.
A VR headset can be provided on loan to a person in their own home offering an accessible supplement to wider care that is non-stigmatising and tailored towards an individual’s lifestyle. 1 in 6 young people in Wales have a diagnosed mental health problem according to Health and Care Research Wales, while 20% of people from disadvantaged communities are treated for a mental health condition according to a 2022 Senedd report.
The trial is the first of its kind in Wales and has received £50,000 from the Pen y Cymoedd Wind Farm Community Fund, which provides more than £2m funding to projects benefiting communities in the upper Neath, Afan, Rhondda, and Cynon valleys every year. It was developed in partnership with CTMUHB, Arts Factory, and TEND VR.
The project has been included in the Bevan Commission’s Exemplar Programme for 2024/25, which supports health and care professionals in Wales develop and test innovative ideas to improve patient care.
The 10-week project began its trial period earlier this year, and Marc Hughes, 39, was one of the first people to use the VR therapy. Volunteering at the Arts Factory in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Marc was introduced to MBCT after New Horizons invited staff to the trial. Having suffered with anxiety and depression for most of his life, the Rhondda local welcomed the opportunity.
“I was in a dark frame of mind at the time I was introduced therapy, suffering with anxiety and I was a lot more secluded,” Marc said. “But since using this new technology I have started to become more calm, friendly and communicative.”
The virtual reality course focuses on techniques such as breathing exercises, feeding virtual fish, and immersive sounds to relax patients’ and control their breathing. If successful, this new innovative method of treating people living with a mental health condition could be a distributed across Wales.
“I’ve always been good with technology, so I’ve never had a problem with the headsets. It’s very adaptable in my opinion,” he said.
“The virtual reality supports me to focus on the immersive world, away from the noise and stress of everyday life.
“It’s helping me control my anxieties and I’m developing my confidence to take on each day as they come. I’ve already started recommending the treatment to friends that I know it will benefit.”
Steve Curry, Business Development Officer at New Horizons Health, said: “I think Pen y Cymoedd saw the bigger picture of this project.
“We encourage and promote greater consideration for maintaining and improving people’s mental health and well-being.”
Janet Whiteman, Director of New Horizons, added: “It’s great that Pen y Cymoedd have funded the project. It’s wonderful to feel supported and the charity has gone from strength to strength.”
Kate Breeze, executive director of the Pen y Cymoedd Wind Farm Community Fund, said: “We are delighted to support New Horizons’ work addressing such an important issue.
“It’s gratifying to know that the Pen y Cymoedd Wind Farm Community Fund has helped facilitate the development of this new technology, which will hopefully be adopted nationwide as a therapy to support mental health and well-being.”
The Fund was established by energy company Vattenfall to benefit the communities hosting the Pen y Cymoedd wind farm across the upper Neath, Afan, Rhondda and Cynon Valleys. It exists to support local people, groups and organisations to invest in themselves, their ideas and their communities.
The Community Fund has a substantial annual budget that is index-linked, meaning it increases in line with inflation. As an example, this equated to around £2.5 million in 2025. The Fund will continue to support communities until 2043, creating long-term opportunities for growth, resilience and positive change.
The Fund is managed by an independent, locally based not-for-profit Community Interest Company. It is overseen by a Board of Directors with strong local connections and delivered by a small but dedicated staff team with extensive community engagement experience. We are here to help ensure the Fund delivers on the vision and priorities of local communities.
Over the next 10 years, the Fund is focusing on investment in people, places and businesses — helping the Valleys to thrive, driving bold ideas, supporting transformation and creating lasting impact for current and future generations.