Tackling knife crime & youth violence.
Tackling knife crime & youth violence.
We've collaborated with experts to launch an immersive series of virtual reality films that address the harsh realities of youth knife crime.
We've collaborated with experts to launch an immersive series of virtual reality films that address the harsh realities of youth knife crime.
New Immersive VR Films.
Developed in response to feedback from our frontline customers and concerning knife-related crime rates across the UK, we’ve created a unique series of virtual reality films that aim to build empathy and understanding amongst professionals, caregivers and young people about the impact of carrying a knife.
new Immersive
VR Films.
Developed in response to feedback from our frontline customers and concerning knife-related crime rates across the UK, we’ve created a unique series of virtual reality films that aim to build empathy and understanding amongst professionals, caregivers and young people about the impact of carrying a knife.
How were our VR Films Developed?
How were our VR
Films Developed?
Research
We spoke with a variety of professionals who work directly with children and young people. These conversations allowed us to find out that more young people are carrying knives as a result of societal pressures.
Collaboration
Our team collaborated with police officers, educational institutions, youth justice, foster agencies, social care professionals, and most importantly, children and young people who are – or could be – impacted by knife crime.
Commitment
Our team have nurtured this project, from initial conversations through to final product, carefully reviewing every detail to guarantee impactful, relatable content of the highest quality.
Research
We spoke with a variety of professionals who work directly with children and young people. These conversations allowed us to find out that more young people are carrying knives as a result of societal pressures.
Collaboration
Our team collaborated with police officers, educational institutions, youth justice, foster agencies, social care professionals, and most importantly, children and young people who are – or could be – impacted by knife crime.
Commitment
Our team have nurtured this project, from initial conversations through to final product, carefully reviewing every detail to guarantee impactful, relatable content of the highest quality.
It was important to create a resource that feels relevant to young people. These VR films capture the real pressures and risks of knife crime in a way that resonates.
Seema Moules
Child Exploitation and Missing Team Manager at Thurrock Council
Addressing knife crime with young people means overcoming fear, distrust, and deeply ingrained norms. Cornerstone VR’s VR-enabled films are creating a powerful, interactive way to educate, engage, and equip young people and the adults around them with the tools to promote safer decisions.
Linda Crawford
Head of Enfield Youth Justice Service
How to use our
new films.
Our films were designed to be used to support a variety of sectors
and practices, and can be used to not only educate and raise awareness, but also for use in:
- Trauma-informed training
- Youth engagement programs
- Family support sessions
- Curriculum enrichment
- Preventative workshops
- Staff training
- Public health campaigns
- Officer training
- And more!
How to use our new films.
Our films were designed to be used to support a variety of sectors
and practices, and can be used to not only educate and raise awareness, but also for use in:
- Trauma-informed training
- Youth engagement programs
- Family support sessions
- Curriculum enrichment
- Preventative workshops
- Staff training
- Public health campaigns
- Officer training
- And more!
Exploring the Impact of VR On Knife Crime Prevention
By Serena Hadi
For too many young people, carrying a knife feels like a form of protection. But we know that this decision actually puts them at greater risk. Serena Hadi, Head of Operations and Practice at Cornerstone VR, covers our new knife crime VR films, and why we've made them in this LinkedIn article.
I was 'stabbed to death at a teenage party' - but thankfully I could take my virtual reality helmet off afterwards
By Adam Smith (Express & Star)
"I was invited to be the first journalist to step into the virtual reality world created to cut crime. Sadly, too many teenagers will never get a second chance at life, because of knife crime."
What do Cornerstone VR users say
about our existing content?
The VR is a useful example of how our reaction affects whether a situation can either escalate issues or build positive relationships with children.
Southend-on-Sea City Council
The VR sessions that the children have taken part in have provided Outstanding practise for our recent OFSTED inspection. They were very impressed with the videos completed and how this has supported our children's understanding on different topics to support them, their knowledge and wellbeing.
Inspirations Children's Residential Homes
It's been a catalyst. If I had to sum it up, VR has been a catalyst to make practitioners and carers think and see the bigger picture.
Northamptonshire Children's Trust
What do Cornerstone VR users say about our existing content?
The VR is a useful example of how our reaction affects whether a situation can either escalate issues or build positive relationships with children.
Southend-on-Sea City Council
The VR sessions that the children have taken part in have provided Outstanding practise for our recent OFSTED inspection. They were very impressed with the videos completed and how this has supported our children's understanding on different topics to support them, their knowledge and wellbeing.
Inspirations Children's Residential Homes
It's been a catalyst. If I had to sum it up, VR has been a catalyst to make practitioners and carers think and see the bigger picture.
Northamptonshire Children's Trust
Following use of the Cornerstone VR Programme:
96%
of participants agreed to have a deeper
understanding of the child's perspective.
96%
of participants agreed they would consider alternative ways to approach situations in their work.