Recently, Rotary Newton Aycliffe took part in a training day facilitated by two members of Middlesbrough Erimus Rotary Club. It was held at Middlesbrough College and tackled the very difficult subject of knife crime. The event was attended by 20 plus Rotarians from across the south of District 1030, representatives of college staff, Cleveland Unit for Reduction of Violence and business sponsors of the equipment used.
The initiative is being progressed by Rotarians Jacqui Molyneux and Mike Overy of Erimus Rotary and the training was delivered by staff from Midlands based company, Virtual Decisions. Virtual Reality headsets are worn by attendees to put across scenarios which prompt responses then that information is discussed in workshops. The immersive experience is meant to provoke reactions to real life situations which challenges perceptions about the impact of knife crime on individuals and communities.
The intention is to roll the programme out across schools and, in Birmingham, it has already been delivered to 15,000 pupils ranging in age from 11 to 14 years old. It could also be useful for such as scout groups, youth clubs, etc. However, the VR equipment is expensive and the search for sponsorship, funding, grant aid is ongoing.
For more information, please contact Jacqui Molyneux or Mike Overy on email:
kcscheme@gmail.com