Immersive Virtual Reality Training Expands Understanding of Trauma and Safeguarding

by John Nowacky
in *IT, News, VR
on 20 November 2023

In a forward-thinking initiative during safeguarding week, Denbighshire County Council’s Adult Social Care & Homelessness Service is revolutionizing training by utilizing immersive Virtual Reality sessions. By embracing this cutting-edge technology, staff members are gaining a unique perspective on various topics such as trauma and safeguarding.

Through a series of Virtual Reality films, practitioners are transported into the lives of children and young people, from pre-birth to adolescence. This immersive experience provides a deeper understanding of the effects of trauma and neglect, as well as their long-term impact. This innovative approach promotes active learning and development while fostering empathy and individual-centered outcomes.

Beyond its use in training, Virtual Reality also serves as an intervention tool in any safeguarding context, aiming to improve the lives of children and young people. By offering professionals, parents, guardians, or care providers a firsthand experience of managing trauma, it creates a unique perspective on the challenges faced by those in need.

The success of this approach is evident in the positive feedback from Kevin Jarvis, Team Manager of Business Support. He highlights the popularity and engagement fostered by this unique learning method, as it encourages reflection and discussion on the roots and effects of trauma. Virtual Reality training is thus seen as a progressive addition to the existing delivery models in Denbighshire, prompting conversations on adopting a more trauma-informed approach to social work.

Laurel Morgan, Team Manager of the Therapeutic Team, praises the use of Virtual Reality as a valuable tool in enhancing reflective practice and expanding insights into trauma-informed care. The technology has been utilized within Children Services, alongside partner agencies, and even with families themselves. Its ability to promote engagement and understanding has been instrumental in supporting individuals affected by trauma.

Recognizing the importance of staff’s expertise, Councillor Elen Heaton, Lead Member for Health and Social Care, emphasizes the significance of continuous learning and understanding vulnerable populations. By incorporating Virtual Reality training, the council aims to nurture better responses and more informed approaches to supporting those in need.

The utilization of Virtual Reality in this context showcases how technology can revolutionize training, promoting a deeper understanding of trauma and safeguarding. As other organizations embrace similar approaches, the potential for creating a more empathetic and informed society grows exponentially.

FAQ:

Q: What is the Denbighshire County Council’s Adult Social Care & Homelessness Service doing to revolutionize training?
A: The council’s Adult Social Care & Homelessness Service is utilizing immersive Virtual Reality sessions to provide a unique perspective on topics such as trauma and safeguarding.

Q: How does Virtual Reality training work in this context?
A: Through a series of Virtual Reality films, practitioners are transported into the lives of children and young people, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of the effects of trauma and neglect.

Q: What are the benefits of using Virtual Reality in training?
A: Virtual Reality training promotes active learning and development, fosters empathy, and encourages individual-centered outcomes. It also serves as an intervention tool in safeguarding contexts.

Q: Are there any success stories or positive feedback regarding Virtual Reality training?
A: Yes, the positive feedback from staff members highlights the popularity and engagement fostered by this unique learning method. It encourages reflection, discussion, and the adoption of a more trauma-informed approach to social work.

Q: Who else benefits from the use of Virtual Reality in safeguarding?
A: professionals, parents, guardians, care providers, partner agencies, and families themselves benefit from experiencing the firsthand management of trauma, promoting engagement and understanding.

Definitions:

– Virtual Reality: A computer-generated simulation that immerses users in an artificial three-dimensional environment, often through the use of headsets or VR devices.