Our virtual reality programme ‘Ocean for All’ has been recognised for its innovation!
The Ocean can have amazing effects on us; it can calm us, inspire us, and make us feel connected to something bigger than ourselves. But for many people, there are significant barriers to accessing the blue spaces that offer so many mental health benefits and educational opportunities.
That’s why we created Ocean for All, our virtual reality outreach programme – and we’re thrilled to say that the programme recently received a special commendation in the Ocean Literacy Award category at the Ocean Awards 2026! The awards (which are organised in partnership between marine research and conservation foundation Nekton, BOAT International, and Kensington Yachts) recognised Ocean for All for its innovative approach to making the Ocean accessible to everyone.
What is Ocean for All?
Ocean for All brings immersive underwater experiences directly into care homes, hospitals, and other community settings across the UK. Using virtual reality technology and tactile marine artefacts, the programme helps people connect with the Ocean under the guidance of OCT’s fantastic Ocean Discovery Rangers.
For many participants, this experience is the closest they’ve been able to come to the Ocean in years, and these connections can be deeply meaningful, memorable and provide a boost to wellbeing.
The high-definition VR headsets transport participants beneath the Ocean’s surface, allowing them to experience 360-degree footage from the National Marine Aquarium’s deep-sea habitats and OCT’s local seagrass restoration sites, including the marine environments of Plymouth Sound and beyond. During sessions, Ocean Discovery Rangers also hand out tactile objects like shark teeth, fish skulls and crab moults. For elderly participants and those living with dementia, these experiences can unlock treasured memories and help to encourage social interaction.
“This is a groundbreaking wellbeing initiative that we are proud to implement with underserved communities,” said Freyja Thomson-Alberts, Ocean Engagement Manager at the Ocean Conservation Trust. “We use headsets with footage from our Aquarium, from the seagrass beds we restore, and also from habitats all over the world.”
While Ocean literacy remains a central aim of the programme, the impact goes far beyond education.
“Ocean for All is as much about wellbeing as it is creating connection to our Ocean,” said Freyja. “The groups watch the videos in real time together, so they can discuss it amongst themselves while it’s happening.”
This is one of the most powerful parts of Ocean for All; it brings people together! The sessions are designed to be social and interactive, with participants discussing what they can see, sharing memories, and reacting collectively to the marine environments around them. This shared experience is particularly important for individuals who may experience loneliness or limited social interaction.
Since launching in 2019, Ocean for All has now reached more than 1,800 people in communities across the UK. And the programme is going from strength to strength; in 2025, over 500 people facing significant barriers to Ocean access took part in sessions.
Feedback we’ve collected shows that its impact is significant. More than 80% of participants reported an immediate improvement in wellbeing and enjoyment following the experience, and 90% said they had discovered something new about the Ocean.
All of this was recognised by the judging panel of the Ocean Awards 2026, who praised the programme’s combination of innovation, compassion, and accessibility.
A statement from the judges said: “The judging panel was moved by your mission to bring the therapeutic qualities of the sea to those who cannot experience it directly. Your use of VR technology and marine artifacts in care homes and hospitals reached over 500 people last year, with 90 percent of participants discovering something new about our waters. It is a truly innovative model for advancing ocean literacy through empathy and accessibility.”
Help us bring the Ocean to everyone
Ocean for All only exists because of the generosity and support of people who believe that blue spaces should be accessible for everyone.
If you work in a care home, hospital, day centre, or community setting where residents would benefit from a dose of “vitamin sea”, we would love to hear from you. While our team is based in Plymouth, we are increasingly delivering sessions nationwide and are always keen to explore new opportunities to reach communities who would benefit most.
You can contact the team at community@oceanconservationtrust.org to arrange a visit, and find out more about the programme here.
And if this story has brought a smile to your face, please consider supporting our work. Find out how you can help here.
