Apax has been awarded 'Best Use of Virtual Reality' at the 2024 Health Tech Digital Awards, marking a significant milestone in the application of immersive technology for mental health support in supported housing environments.

Background and Implementation

Every resident living in Apax's supported housing is someone who has experienced at least one mental health challenge. That reality shaped the thinking behind this programme from the very beginning. We wanted to find new ways to support people in their recovery, and virtual reality offered something genuinely different: a chance for residents to experience calm, focus and a sense of possibility in a way that felt safe and accessible.

The pioneering programme was developed in response to a critical need, as all residents in Apax's supported housing accommodate individuals experiencing at least one mental health challenge. Recognising the potential of virtual reality as a therapeutic tool, Apax formed strategic partnerships with leading technology providers Tripp and Meta, alongside technology solutions expert Insight.

The initial implementation took the form of an eight-week trial, carefully designed to assess the impact of VR technology on residents' mental wellbeing and overall quality of life. The controlled study provided residents with access to specialised VR equipment and therapeutic content.

The partnerships that brought this programme to life were essential. Working alongside Tripp, Meta and Insight allowed us to combine specialist knowledge in immersive technology with a deep understanding of what residents actually need in their day-to-day lives. It was a collaboration built on shared curiosity and genuine care for outcomes.

Remarkable Outcomes

When the results of the trial came through, the team felt a quiet sense of hope. The numbers told a powerful story, but behind each statistic was a real person whose life had begun to shift in meaningful ways. These were not abstract improvements. They were felt by the people who mattered most.

The trial demonstrated remarkable success across several key metrics:

  • A notable proportion of residents successfully ceased smoking
  • Participants reported significant improvements in thought patterns and mental outlook
  • Perhaps most significantly, 40% of the residents who participated in the trial progressed to independent living arrangements

This success rate particularly stands out as it demonstrates the programme's ability to support residents in achieving greater autonomy and self-sufficiency, a core objective of supported housing services.

The fact that four in ten participants moved on to independent living is something that still resonates deeply with everyone involved. It speaks to what becomes possible when people are given the right tools, the right environment and a team that believes in them. These outcomes belong to the residents themselves, and we feel privileged to have played a small part in their journeys.

Programme Expansion

The trial was always intended as a starting point, not a destination. It gave us the evidence and the confidence to think bigger, but also the humility to keep listening to residents about what works for them and what could be improved.

Following these encouraging results, Apax has committed to broadening the programme's scope. The organisation is now implementing the VR wellness initiative on a wider, more permanent basis, demonstrating their commitment to innovative mental health support solutions.

Rolling the programme out more widely means more residents will have the opportunity to experience VR wellness sessions as part of their everyday lives. It is a step we take with care, ensuring that the technology continues to serve people rather than the other way around.

Broader Impact

There is growing interest across the supported housing sector in how technology might help people living with mental health challenges. This programme offers one small example of what can happen when innovation is guided by compassion and grounded in real-world need.

The award recognition comes at a crucial time when the healthcare sector is increasingly looking towards technological solutions to address mental health challenges. Apax's successful implementation of VR technology showcases how digital innovations can be effectively deployed in supported housing settings to enhance resident outcomes.

We hope that by sharing what we have learned, others might feel encouraged to explore similar approaches. The potential for technology to complement human support in meaningful ways feels like something worth pursuing together, across the sector.

Looking Forward

Recognition from the Health Tech Digital Awards is a genuinely humbling moment for the team. But the real reward has always been watching residents grow in confidence and begin to see new possibilities for their lives.

This recognition from the Health Tech Digital Awards, which celebrates excellence across various healthcare technology categories, validates Apax's innovative approach to mental health support. The programme continues to focus on its core objectives of building resident confidence and improving overall mental wellbeing through accessible, technology-driven solutions.

The success of this initiative not only benefits current residents but also establishes a promising model for other supported housing providers considering technological interventions for mental health support.

We are still learning, still listening and still finding new ways to make this programme better. What matters most is that residents feel supported, valued and hopeful about what comes next. If this work can inspire others to try something new in their own settings, then that is a wonderful thing.