Nearly 500 young people across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent have taken part in an innovative Virtual Reality (VR) in education programme that is helping to support thousands nationally who are at risk of criminal exploitation and violence.
Using Serious Violence Duty funding, the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Violence Reduction Alliance (VRA) purchased two VR programmes to help educate children and young people on the risks and consequences of carrying a knife, gang culture, criminal exploitation and anti-social behaviour.
Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams said:
“It’s fantastic to see so many young people being educated on these topics in such an engaging way. Although crime rates in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are well below the national and regional average, it is vitally important that we continue to have these all-important conversations with young people around staying safe.
“With this, I am pleased that we have been able to utilise further funding to extend the delivery of the VR to ensure we can reach as many young people as possible across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.”
The VR experience allows participants to experience multiple dilemmas and illustrate the impacts of their choices. Expert facilitators then run creative arts workshops exploring the issues raised in more depth. In this empathetic space, young people are able to reflect on their personal journey within the VR and compare it to that of their peers.
Taking a targeted approach, Staffordshire Council of Voluntary Youth Services (SCVYS) has worked with the Pan-Staffordshire Personal, Social, Health & Economic (PSHE) Education Service to deliver the Virtual_Decisions films to schools across the County and City. As a result of its success, the VRA has extended the delivery of the programme until 31 March 2025.
Chief Executive of SCVYS, Phil Pusey said:
“SCVYS is excited to extend the delivery of this learning experience providing the opportunity to understand more about what works best within the sessions to help change young people’s thinking and subsequently their behaviours, so they are better equipped to keep themselves safe.
“For us, the project is all about learning and we look forward to creating a comprehensive report for the Commissioner’s Office to inform future decision-making around the most effective interventions once completed.”
Superintendent David Wain from Staffordshire Police said:
“Knife crime is a serious issue that devastates families and creates a climate of fear in an entire community. It is a problem that we must tackle head-on.
“Whilst enforcement will continue to be a top priority in Staffordshire with arrest rates in the city up over 48 per cent, we will continue to support innovative steps such as this to educate people about the dangers of knife crime.
“Our approach is not just about enforcement, it’s about creating a culture of understanding.
“When young people understand the severe consequences of carrying and using knives, they are less likely to engage in criminality.”
To find out more visit: Virtual Reality – Violence Reduction Alliance
