Virtual reality tech helping social workers understand trauma through the eyes of a child
Hull City Council is the latest local authority utilising cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) technology to educate social workers about the effects of adverse childhood experiences, with the aim of enhancing outcomes for at-risk adults and children.
The council has teamed up with Cornerstone VR, a division of the Antser Group and a leading provider of trauma-informed virtual reality training, to offer this immersive learning experience to social workers.
Those working directly with vulnerable adults and children have undergone the training, which enables them to witness the impact of trauma, abuse and neglect from the child's viewpoint.
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Serena Hadi, head of operations and practice at Cornerstone VR, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Hull City Council to equip their social workers with our VR training.
“The immersive nature of the VR experience allows participants to develop a deeper understanding of the impact of early-life trauma and its continued impact throughout childhood, adolescence and into adulthood.
“This technology has already been a game changer for trauma-informed practice in Hull and we hope we can continue to facilitate this change in even more cities going forward.”
The VR training programme is a clinically-led behaviour change tool used by professionals who work with vulnerable children and their families, which has been developed with the insight of social care experienced individuals.
After completing the session, a staggering 98% of participants felt they had gained a profound understanding of a child's viewpoint, leading them to think differently and explore new response approaches when dealing with vulnerable people.
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One attendee said: “The training highlighted the importance of recording your observations (of the child) and interactions with others so patterns can be identified.”
Another person said: “I plan to take the whole experience into my practice, ensuring that I consider the child’s perspective and try to understand how the young person sees the situation.”
The initiative was made possible thanks to the financial support from the Humber Social Work Teaching Partnership. The comprehensive training in Hull was facilitated by Learning and Development Specialist Trainers along with a Family Practitioner, hosted with the council's Social Work Academy.
Councillor Linda Tock, the portfolio holder for children’s services at Hull City Council, said: “This training investment will aid our staff and partners in understanding trauma through the eyes of the child, helping us better support our children and young people in the long-term.”