World-first virtual reality 'swimming with dolphins' experience coming to Northampton

Pictured from left to right: Ros Stone, Rebecca Gill and Matt Fishlock.

Community learning disabilities nurse Rebecca Gill is gearing up to launch her company, Virtual Reality Therapies, in Northampton, this May.

It's a world-first business idea that will see four hydro pools and virtual reality (VR) headsets combined together to provide 'immersive therapeutic technology' to people who are less able to access traditional physiotherapy.

The headsets will allow wearers to see dolphins swimming around and through advanced technology swimmers can entice the computer-generated 'animals' to play with them.

Through tailored focus groups Rebecca has been able to identify that swimming with dolphins as an experience will be more fun and therapeutic for her future patients.

Health benefits include reducing chronic pain, alleviating anxiety to taking trips down memory lane.

Rebeca said: "We are going to incorporate aromatherapy as well so we are trying to get as many senses as we can and be as multi-sensory and as immersive as possible.

"Even though you know it's not real it completely tricks your brain and you really do feel like you're swimming with dolphins."

Rebecca found out about 360 degree underwater videos, which allow people to virtually swim with dolphins, about two years ago.

Rebecca Gill (right) pictured with a care home patient from her existing community group who uses her virtual reality therapy.

"One of the things that has kept coming up in my career is hydrotherapy and the lack of it in Northampton," Rebecca added.

"Traditional therapies are really difficult to access, despite the benefits.

"With physio, there's a very long waiting list, you've got to go private and it's costly so most people can't afford it.

"The people that would benefit the most from these are the people least likely able to access it."

Renovation works are underway at their new building in Spencer Parade before it opens around May.

Rebecca said studies have shown the links between the therapeutic benefits of people swimming with dolphins and by doing it through VR it avoids having the animals in captivity.

Aside from the hydro pools, there will be sensory rooms each respectively themed on horse riding, flying experiences and magic carpet rides - each fitted with physio swings.

"My background is learning disabilities," Rebecca added. "All of my work has been learning disabilities, brain injuries, autism and everything neurological.

"Everything is designed in mind for people with disabilities and of all ages and abilities but everyone is welcome.

"It's for the community and I want everyone to come and have a go."

Rebecca has seen her business idea flourish from start to finish within a year-and-a-half.

Last year she started a business diploma, got a place on the Milton Keynes Natwest Entrepreneur programme before securing a six-figure loan to kickstart her social enterprise company.

She got the backing she needed by investors after launching successful focus groups at Brookside Community Centre followed by community sessions at day centres and care homes, which she is still set to run.

For booking sessions, email [email protected] or call 07772855566.