В Уэльсе умерла пионер виртуальной реальности, создавшая проект против одиночества

A health worker has been remembered for her “lasting legacy” in using virtual reality to reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing in Pembrokeshire. Michelle Copeman, a Bevan Exemplar and project manager with Hywel Dda University Health Board, died earlier this year from lung cancer at the age of just 48. She helped launch Connecting Realities, an innovative project designed to help people in the county who are typically disconnected from technology to access services and connect with others. Sarah Beauclerk, director of Vere Experiences and Ms Copeman’s project partner, said: "The project’s success is because of Michelle. "I had the concept, but it didn’t have legs until she was involved. "She told us about the Bevan Exemplar Programme, and from there, everything came together. "No one else has ever had such an impact on anything I’ve done professionally as Michelle, as she laid the foundation, including establishing funding routes, to allow our activity to develop from 2021 to where we are now." The pair worked together in 2022 to develop Connecting Realities in collaboration with Pembrokeshire County Council and the VR Inclusive Mental Health Interventions project. Both initiatives were supported through the Bevan Exemplar Programme, which helps health and care professionals in Wales turn innovative ideas into practice. Ms Beauclerk said Ms Copeman remained committed to the project until the very end. She said: "Although she moved departments quite early on, she maintained an interest and enthusiasm for Connecting Realities, even offering to test experiences two days before she died." Jess Svetz, Ms Copeman’s line manager and close friend, said: "Michelle’s ability to bring people together, manage complexity and maintain focus on outcomes for patients and communities has left a lasting imprint on how services are designed and delivered locally." She described Ms Copeman’s key role in shaping community-based care models in Pembrokeshire. Ms Svetz said: "During her time in Pembrokeshire, she played a significant role in shaping how partners work together, particularly in community-based and intermediate care models. "She had a deep understanding of legislation and policy and translated this into practical operational changes across the system." Ms Copeman lived in Pembroke Dock with her partner Tom and their adult children Amber and Jasper, who have given consent for her story to be shared. Ms Svetz added: "Michelle was such a special person who put everyone before herself, even when she was unwell. "She had such an impact on everyone’s lives and we want to show how important she was." Connecting Realities and the VR Inclusive Mental Health Interventions project paved the way for Ffynhonnell-Wellspring, an immersive platform for women’s health and wellbeing co-ordinated by Vere Experiences in collaboration with partners across Pembrokeshire.