MOVE THROUGH ANXIETY
Immersive wellbeing you can actually feel
Move through anxiety
An Innovate UK-backed immersive VR and smart device experience helping young people understand anxiety through movement, storytelling and interactive technology.
EmbodyXR® transforms anxiety support into something young people can actually feel, not just think about.
Built at the intersection of movement, immersive storytelling and interactive technology, EmbodyXR® guides young people through choreographed challenges, responsive environments and immersive soundscapes designed to support emotional awareness and regulation in real time.
Built oN Research, Developing for IMPACT
EmbodyXR® is currently part of a UKRI / Innovate UK-funded research programme, co-designed with University for the Creative Arts (UCA) researchers, wellbeing professionals and students.
We’re on a game development journey, transforming our touring VR art experience into a serious game for mental health.
The current version of EmbodyXR® is an enhanced touring VR arts awareness experience. It is delivered in person by trained professionals and can include wrap-around creative activity such as movement workshops, visual art activities and facilitated wellbeing conversations outside of the VR experience itself.
As the project develops, Mercurial Dance and its research partners are progressing the work toward future clinical evaluation routes and the appropriate regulatory pathways.
Our current phase works with our research partners to progress towards a clinical trials process and MHRA approval.
Previous phases supported by Arts Council England, Coventry University Innovation Grants, and Mercurial Dance’s public outreach partners.
Why this matters
31% of 16–24 year olds report symptoms of anxiety or depression.
(Mind, 2024)
Anxiety is the fastest-growing mental health concern for young people in the UK.
With long NHS waitlists and pressure on schools, young people need earlier, easier access to support tools, especially ones that feel familiar, playful, and creative.
EmbodyXR meets them where they are; through movement, games, and tech they already use.
