RecruitingInterventional

Trying out a virtual reality café for young people with eating disorders

This study is looking into a new-style treatment called a virtual reality (VR) café for young people aged 14-25 with eating disorders. Many people with eating disorders find social eating situations like cafés very difficult, which can make recovery harder. This VR café lets them practice ordering food and interacting with staff in a safe, controlled way. The study wants to find out if young people will join and complete the sessions, and if they find the VR café helpful. Participants will have up to six VR sessions, alongside their usual treatment. It’s important to see if this new approach can eventually be offered more widely in the NHS.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Bristol

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

29 May 2027

Eating disorders

What is this study about?

Eating disorders are serious health conditions that can make everyday life challenging. For many young people with an eating disorder, social eating situations – like going to a café or restaurant with friends or family – can feel very stressful and difficult. This can make it harder for them to recover and enjoy normal activities.

This study is exploring a new idea to help with this challenge: a 'virtual reality (VR) café'. Imagine putting on a special headset and stepping into a computer-generated café where you can practice situations you find difficult, such as ordering food or talking to café staff. This VR café has been designed with input from young people who have experienced eating disorders and experts who treat them. The main goal is to see if this new treatment approach is something people will want to try, if they will complete the sessions, and if they find it useful.

Because this is a new idea, the study will help us understand if the VR café could be a good and helpful tool for young people with eating disorders within the NHS. We want to learn what participants think about it and whether it helps them feel more confident in real-life social eating situations. This study doesn't offer medical advice, but it helps us learn more about potential new ways to support recovery.

Key takeaways

Exploring a virtual reality (VR) café to help with social eating difficulties.
Aimed at young people aged 14-25 with eating disorders currently in NHS treatment.
Involves up to six VR sessions, alongside usual treatment.
Aims to understand if this new approach is helpful and well-received.
Support from a clinician is provided during all VR sessions.
Funded by a major UK research body.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for young people aged between 14 and 25 years old. To join, you should currently be receiving treatment for any type of eating disorder from one of the two NHS mental health services taking part in this study.

It's important that you find social eating (like going to a café) difficult. If you are 16 or older, you'll need to agree to take part yourself. If you are 14 or 15, you'll need to agree to take part, and a parent or guardian will also need to give their permission.

Unfortunately, you can't join if you have difficulty understanding and agreeing to take part, can't travel to the VR sessions, or aren't fluent in spoken English. Also, people involved in designing this study (Patient and Public Involvement group members) can't take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 14 and 25 years old?
Are you currently receiving treatment for an eating disorder from a participating NHS service?
Do you find social eating situations challenging?
Can you travel to the VR café sessions?
Are you comfortable speaking in English?
If you are 14 or 15, is a parent/guardian able to give permission?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will have up to six sessions using the VR café. Each session will last up to one hour, and you'll have support from a trained healthcare professional throughout. These VR sessions will happen at the same NHS location where you usually see your eating disorder team, or at your NHS mental health trust’s research area.

It's important to know that you'll continue with your usual treatment for your eating disorder while taking part in this study. We will ask you to fill out some questionnaires at several points: before your first VR session, after your first session, six weeks later, and then three months after your first session. We'll also collect some general information from your health records to help us understand who tries the VR café. Some participants, parents/carers, and clinicians will also be asked to do an interview to share their experiences. The study is expected to run from June 2026 to October 2027.

Potential risks and benefits

Since this is the first time the VR café is being used in the NHS, we don't yet know if everyone will find it helpful. However, a possible benefit is that practicing challenging situations in the VR café could help you feel more confident in real-life social eating settings. There are a few small risks: some people might feel a bit of motion sickness when using VR, but you'll be seated to minimise this. Thinking about your eating disorder experiences or trying new things might also be distressing for some. However, a clinician will be with you at all times during your VR sessions, and you can take off the headset or stop at any point if you feel uncomfortable. You always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Gloucester, England
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Oxford, England

Common questions

What is virtual reality (VR)?

VR uses a special headset to create a computer-generated world that you can explore and interact with, making you feel like you are really there.

Will I still get my regular eating disorder treatment?

Yes, taking part in this study means you will continue with all your usual eating disorder treatment as before.

How many times will I need to go for VR sessions?

You will have up to six sessions using the VR café, each lasting about an hour.

What if I feel unwell during a VR session?

A trained clinician will be with you throughout. You can take off the headset or stop the session at any time if you feel uncomfortable or unwell.

Who is funding this study?

This study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the UK.

How to find out more

Laura Chapman

laura.chapman@bristol.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.