New VR projects help rural Saskatchewan students talk about mental health – Saskatoon | 24CA News
A digital actuality (VR) mission lead by Saskatchewan Polytechnic and La Loche neighborhood is hoping to supply rural Saskatchewan communities with simpler entry to psychological well being helps.
“We are trying to address any mental health concerns and reduce any gaps in care (Indigenous youth) are experiencing,” mentioned Lindsey Boechler, analysis supervisor on the mission.
“They are pretty reluctant to say they need mental health resources, or it really doesn’t draw them, but you bring out a VR headset and people are attracted to it.”
The analysis group has been working with Dene High School college students in La Loche, Sask., for 3 years.
A showcase in Saskatoon Friday introduced the expertise’s development into the trial and growth section.
“Right now, we are just finishing that initial exploration phase where we are just gathering more knowledge and learning what the youth want and what they foresee this being,” Boechler.
The objective of Friday’s gathering was to develop funding partnerships so the expertise might be constructed and guarantee future sustainability.
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Boechler mentioned she was initially exploring how the VR expertise might be used to supply counseling providers to distant communities, nevertheless it has been expanded by the scholars in La Loche to a holistic view of wellbeing.
“They are looking at different ways to connect to other youth, share their communities and culture. They want it for educational purposes and to access and attend workshops that might not otherwise be accessible to them,” mentioned Boechler.
The mission will assist college students join with professionals if they may not have the opportunity to take action in individual.
“We are six hours away from (Saskatoon) and our accessibility is pretty limited,” mentioned Alvera Hatch, registered nurse and wellness coordinator at Dene High School.
“Even having access to psychologists and all that stuff is an extended, lengthy ready checklist. If you will have this accessible within the meantime, at the very least they’ve one thing, an escape, any person to speak to.
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“Sometimes it is easy to focus on the negatives, but our kids are doing great stuff that they should be recognized for.”
Hatch mentioned she hopes it is going to be used to achieve different communities sooner or later.
“I hope they can connect and be like a family.”
The group is at the moment in search of funding from company sponsorship to proceed growth.
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