I recently had the privilege of attending an education focused Lives Before Knives event at a nearby high school. Since then, I’ve been reflecting on the purpose of our soon-to-be-released VR film series on knife crime and serious youth violence.

The event gave me a fresh perspective, reinforcing why we’re so dedicated to developing this new film series. Sometimes, when you’re deep in a project, it’s hard to truly envision the full scope of its eventual influence. But this event reminded me of the powerful impact our work can have, not just in schools, but far beyond. The experience left me feeling inspired and hopeful about the real change our content can create.

The team at St. Michael’s CE High School are doing incredible work to support their students. This event wasn’t merely a gathering; it was a testament to the school’s unwavering commitment to fostering change and amplifying the voices of young people confronting today’s societal challenges.

One of the most powerful parts of the day was hearing from Alison Cope, a passionate advocate against youth violence. She shared her son’s story with such honesty and courage, helping everyone in the room—students, parents, teachers—really grasp the reality of youth violence and its lasting impact. Alison’s words struck a chord; her strength and willingness to share such a personal story really brought home why conversations like these are so critical for young people, and the caregivers and professionals around them.

During the event, I was invited to share previews of our new VR film series, designed to educate and develop empathy and understanding of the realities of knife crime and serious youth violence. Watching students, teachers, and parents react to the VR experience was eye-opening.

One student reflected, “That felt real,” and explained that the immersive aspect helped them truly understand the situation and potential consequences in a way they had been unable to previously. Hearing that our VR series resonated with young people is incredibly validating – it’s exactly why we’re so passionate about what we do. VR truly holds the power of storytelling in a medium unlike any other, especially when it speaks directly to the reality of some young people’s lives. We hope this immersive approach will help shift perceptions and empower young people to make safer choices.

St. Michael’s team has been nothing short of inspiring with their proactive approach. Their efforts are a vital part of a larger movement to change the narrative around youth violence and help young people choose lives of purpose and possibility. I look forward to seeing the positive ripple effect this initiative will undoubtedly create within their school and community.

At Cornerstone VR, we believe collaboration fuels meaningful change. If your school or organisation is working on similar issues, we’d love to connect and support your efforts. Together, we have the power to change the story, helping more young people and their families across the UK navigate these challenging situations affecting us all.

I invite you to drop me a message or get in touch with our team direct on: info@cornerstonevr.co.uk

You can also visit our webpage here: www.cornerstonevr.co.uk/knife-crime