Youth Shedz Cymru and DangerPoint, two prominent organisations dedicated to the welfare of young people, have embarked on an innovative journey to create interactive virtual experiences that address crucial societal issues. This ground breaking project, named ‘Building Empathy: Navigating Social Challenges’ is made possible through the generous funding of the Neumark Foundation.

Youth Shedz Cymru has long been recognised for its commitment to providing safe and supportive spaces for young people to grow, learn, and connect. DangerPoint, on the other hand, specializes in delivering impactful safety education. Their shared passion for empowering young individuals and the Neumark Foundation’s support have united them in their quest to make a difference.

At the heart of this collaboration is the powerful medium of Virtual Reality (VR). VR technology immerses users in a digital world, creating an unparalleled opportunity to understand complex issues from a first-hand perspective. By blending their expertise with cutting-edge technology, Youth Shedz Cymru and DangerPoint aim to revolutionize the way young people engage with vital topics.

Youth Shedz Cymru first experienced the powers of Virtual Reality during the Pandemic when, like many other organisations, they were forced to ‘think outside of the box’ with new ways to communicate with their young Shedderz.

One of the primary objectives of ‘Building Empathy: Navigating Social Challenges’ is to foster empathy among young participants. County lines, anti-social behaviour, mental health, and bullying are issues that often elude easy comprehension. VR provides a unique chance to step into the shoes of those affected, enabling participants to see, hear, and feel the challenges faced by their peers. Also, as creators of the interactive VR experiences, the youngsters will learn about these challenges and apply that knowledge into script writing. Experiential learning for all!

This collaboration is not only about raising awareness but also empowering young people to become agents of change. The project involves young Shedderz in the creation process, giving them a platform to express their thoughts and ideas. They will work alongside mentors and tutors, learning valuable skills and gaining a deeper understanding of the issues they are addressing.

By involving young voices, this project ensures that the experiences created are authentic and resonate with the intended audience. This approach not only makes the project more impactful but also empowers the participants to become advocates for change in their communities.

A combination of real life lived experience (Youth Shedz Director, Scott, a former addict turned teacher), cutting edge technology (Quest 3 and Insta360 cameras), the VR interactive platform ‘Near life: Creator’ and the amazing backdrop of the DangerPoint education centre as a film set, promises to be an exciting mixture for staff and youngsters alike! The youngsters will work alongside staff to write the scripts, film the scenes and bring it all together as an interactive VR experience to share with the world.

This exciting collaboration between Youth Shedz Cymru, DangerPoint, and the Neumark Foundation, represents a leap forward in how we address vital social issues among young people. By harnessing the immersive power of VR, this project aims to raise awareness, foster empathy, and empower the youth to be catalysts for positive change.

As we move forward in an increasingly digital world, innovative initiatives like this remind us that technology can be a force for good. With passionate organisations and dedicated young individuals at the helm, this collaboration promises to make a lasting impact on the lives of many, ensuring a brighter and more empathetic future for all.

Watch this space!!!