Key Host Information
About the Host
We empower survivors of domestic abuse by offering innovative VR therapy and comprehensive self-help programs designed to promote healing and personal growth.
Website
Visit
Host Contact Name
Kirsty Moore
Host Contact Email
contact@ukindtherapy.io
Type of Organisation
Third Sector
Host Location
West Yorkshire
Equal Opportunities Statement
UKind Therapy CIC is committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and empowering environment for all staff, volunteers, students, and placement researchers. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are especially keen to support individuals who are under-represented in research, technology, mental health, and leadership roles.
We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, neurodiversity, gender identity or expression, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, caring responsibilities, marital status, or socioeconomic background. We actively encourage applications from individuals with lived experience of domestic abuse, trauma, or health inequalities, recognising the valuable insight they bring to our work.
All reasonable adjustments will be made to ensure equal access to the placement, including flexible working, accessibility adaptations, and supportive supervision. We are committed to fostering a culture in which every researcher can contribute fully, feel safe, and be treated with dignity and respect.
Placement Description
Ideal Start Date
March 2026
Placement Location
Hybrid
Mode of Placement
Part-time (2.5 days per week)
Relevant Pathway(s)
DCA & WHC
Types of Project
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Community support
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Data management and analysis
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Diversity, equality and fairness
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Policy
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Research and analysis
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Stakeholder engagement
Further Project Details
This placement sits at the heart of our Mayor’s Health Inequalities Challenge project. The researcher will conduct a comprehensive accessibility study across the communities most affected by domestic abuse and poor mental health access in West Yorkshire. This includes learning-disabled adults, autistic users, refugees and asylum seekers, multilingual communities, those with low digital literacy, and individuals living in deprived areas.
The student will work closely with frontline organisations including Reflections CIC, Staying Put, IDAS, New Beginnings CIC, and RLO (learning disabilities). They will analyse barriers to engagement, assess requirements for accessible VR environments, and map how UKind XR can reduce inequalities for survivors.
A major output will be the creation of the UKind XR Accessibility & Inclusion Framework — a formal set of guidelines covering UI/UX, sensory safety, cultural sensitivity, linguistic inclusion, trauma-informed design, and support for LD/ASD users. This will feed directly into our £100k programme and our October 2026 launch.
This placement will provide the researcher with a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of technology, mental health, trauma-informed practice, and inequality reduction.
Skills Required
Essential skills:
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Strong qualitative research skills
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Understanding of health inequalities, inclusion, or community research
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Excellent communication skills
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Ability to work sensitively with vulnerable populations
Desirable:
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Experience with VR or digital health
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Knowledge of trauma-informed practice
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Interest in domestic abuse or mental health research
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Experience working with learning-disabled or multilingual groups
