What Potential Uses Could VR Provide for the Third Sector?

Virtual Reality (VR) holds immense potential for the third sector, offering innovative ways to tell stories, raise awareness, engage supporters, and deliver impactful services to your service users and beneficiaries.

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In this article, we’ll explore some exciting possibilities when it comes to the possibilities of VR for the third sector in Wales.

Immersive storytelling

Ditch static images and text! VR allows you to create powerful, first-person narratives that put supporters right in the shoes of those you help. Imagine experiencing:

• A refugee’s perilous journey across the sea
• A child with a disability navigating everyday challenges
• An endangered animal struggling due to habitat loss

One example, developed by Alzheimer’s Research UK, is an app called A Walk Through Dementia, which shows a glimpse of what it may be like for someone who is living with Dementia.

Immersive experiences like these evoke powerful emotions, creating a sense of empathy that traditional media often struggles to achieve. Supporters won’t just hear about your cause; they’ll feel it. This emotional connection is key to driving donations, volunteerism, and long-term support for an organisation and its goals.

Virtual tours

Virtual Reality tours allow supporters to explore locations regardless of their physical limitations. Imagine offering virtual tours of:

• Your animal sanctuary, showcasing the rescued animals and the vital care you provide
• A remote forest, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts
• A historical site you’re working to preserve, bringing the past to life

An example of this is the Wales Metaverse, created by Visit Wales. In May 2024, Wales became the first UK nation to launch in the metaverse, giving virtual visitors from across the world a taste of what they can discover there for real.

VR events and fundraising

VR events transcend physical limitations, allowing people to experience something simultaneously from across the world.

A trending example of a huge VR event was a Sabrina Carpenter concert in July 2024, hosted by Meta Horizon Worlds. Fans donned their VR headsets and were transported to a custom-designed set, where they could sing along and dance virtually alongside the popstar from the comfort of their own home.

VR events also offer endless possibilities for creative fundraising, leading to increased engagement and support for your cause. VR fundraising events could allow supporters to mingle in a virtual room, participate in silent auctions, and hear testimonials from beneficiaries.

Education and training

VR simulations can help to provide training for volunteers and staff. The options are limitless, from practicing emergency response scenarios, social work interactions, or even medical procedures in a safe and controlled environment. An example of this is how the Royal Navy are using VR technology to train sailors for warships.

It’s not just organisations that can use VR to develop skills, though – the technology allows you to learn an array of things from the comfort of your own home, without the cost of equipment. For example, you can learn to DJ or play piano by using VR technology.

Supporting mental and physical health

VR experiences can help to provide another avenue for physical and mental health support.

The technology could provide a space for virtual consultations or support sessions for those who are geographically isolated, making vital services more accessible.

Research is quickly being developed, with pilots across the world for the uses of VR. One example of this research is how VR is helping those with dementia.

Many people diagnosed with dementia who live in care homes or by themselves at home cannot venture outside by themselves like they once could, affecting their quality of life and wellbeing. VR can provide access to allow people with dementia to explore a new environment or relive old memories whilst in a safe location.

Additionally, the use of VR is being explored to help support the diagnosis of conditions alongside existing tests and investigations. For example, Alzheimer’s researchers are hoping that VR can support early detection of the disease.

As VR technology advances, it could be used to support those with phobias or anxiety disorders to face their challenges using exposure therapy. Social interactions could be practised in a virtual environment for those with autism. Rehabilitation programmes for physical therapy or occupational therapy could be developed, offering a more engaging and interactive experience for clients.

Raising awareness

The use of VR can allow people to experience some of the challenges faced by those with disabilities. This can foster empathy and understanding for your cause, which can be difficult for those who cannot relate.

The increase of 360 films and VR experiences has meant that it’s easier than ever to showcase experiences. Notable examples include Notes of Blindness and The Party: A Virtual Experience of Autism. Whilst you can watch these videos on a mobile phone, laptop, or TV, the experiences feel much more real in VR.

VR could be a go-to tool for advocacy and campaigning work, to raise public awareness or help explain things to those in power. Imagine using these experiences to give a snapshot of real challenges to decision makers and influencers who have a say in policy. On top of the experience, VR could be used to present data and statistics in a compelling and unforgettable way to capture the attention of the public and policy-makers.

Employment

Consider IKEA’s recent entrance into the virtual world. They opened a virtual store in Roblox, a popular game across multiple platforms. The development allows users to explore furniture options and design their dream homes on the app. IKEA have employed staff to work in VR to support customers.

In a similar vein, charities could create VR experiences that showcase their work environment and the impact of staff roles.

Practical and ethical considerations

The potential applications of VR in the third sector are vast and ever-evolving. By embracing VR technology, charities can create innovative and impactful experiences that truly make a difference. Imagine a future where VR allows volunteers to experience the transformative power of their work firsthand, staff to receive immersive training that prepares them for real-world challenges, and beneficiaries to access vital services in a safe and engaging way.

However, it’s important to approach VR with a balanced perspective. Ethical considerations regarding VR use in the third sector need careful evaluation. Issues like data privacy, potential for addiction, and ensuring equitable access to VR experiences must be addressed.

VR headsets and technology can be expensive, so we must find innovative ways to make VR accessible and cost-effective, potentially through partnerships or funding.

Experiences in VR often collect user data, so we must ensure robust data security measures are in place, including obtaining informed consent from users before using VR.

Final thoughts

As virtual reality technology becomes more affordable, accessible, and user-friendly, we can expect to see even more innovative applications emerge. By embracing VR responsibly and creatively, the third sector can unlock new ways of working to support their business and cause.

VR is a powerful tool, but it’s not perfect. Careful planning, ethical considerations, and a focus on user needs are crucial for successful VR implementation in the third sector.

Want to start exploring VR for your third sector organisation? Look no further than Charity Digital’s discount on Meta Quest Pro headsets.

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