The Canaries’ Experience: saving lives through a true events based virtual reality experience a multidisciplinary approach using avatars in suicide prevention and intervention

Shalaby, S, Bifarin, O ORCID: 0000-0002-8247-2508, Ward, R ORCID: 0000-0002-9850-5191, McCann, N and Saini, P ORCID: 0000-0002-4981-7914 (2026) The Canaries’ Experience: saving lives through a true events based virtual reality experience a multidisciplinary approach using avatars in suicide prevention and intervention. Frontiers in Virtual Reality, 6. pp. 1-7.

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Abstract

This paper outlines the conceptual foundation of The Canaries’ Experience, a PhD research project at Liverpool John Moores University focused on the development and evaluation of immersive technology for preventive mental health interventions. The project forms part of a broader interdisciplinary initiative that integrates artificial intelligence, virtual reality, immersive storytelling, and spatial audio to deliver personalised therapeutic experiences. Targeting individuals at risk of self-harm and suicide particularly in high-risk or isolated, confined, and extreme (ICE) environments it aims to enable early detection and mitigation of psychological distress. Situated at the intersection of mental health, digital therapy, and narrative design, the initiative highlights the potential of scalable, integrated approaches to enhance psychological resilience and promote cross-sector collaboration.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	4607 Graphics, augmented reality and games
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology T Technology > T Technology (General) > T58.5 Information Technology
Divisions:	Computer Science and Mathematics Nursing and Advanced Practice Psychology (from Sep 2019) Public and Allied Health
Publisher:	Frontiers Media SA
Date of acceptance:	27 November 2025
Date of first compliant Open Access:	17 February 2026
Date Deposited:	17 Feb 2026 13:15
Last Modified:	17 Feb 2026 13:15
DOI or ID number:	10.3389/frvir.2025.1629336
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/28112

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