Cornerstone VR Partners with University of Birmingham and SCT to Provide Virtual Child Protection Training for Social Workers
Cornerstone VR, a tech-for-good firm, has joined forces with the University of Birmingham and Sandwell Children’s Trust (SCT) to offer virtual reality training for social care professionals. This immersive experience, known as ‘research informed virtual relationship-based practice training’ (RIVRT), will be available on the Cornerstone VR platform starting November 1, 2024. It allows social workers to engage with challenging scenarios in a safe virtual environment.
Developed after extensive ethnographic research by researchers at the University of Birmingham and SCT, the RIVRT solution aims to enhance professionals’ skills in handling complex child protection cases. Dr. Tarsem Singh Cooner, associate professor of social work at the University of Birmingham, expressed excitement about collaborating with Cornerstone VR to share their research findings through this innovative platform.
Participants wear VR headsets to follow a social worker’s journey with a fictional family over 11 months. This training package consists of seven modules that enable trainees to observe body language, tone, and relational approaches, allowing them to develop effective strategies for navigating difficult situations.
Serena Hadi, head of operations and practice at Cornerstone VR, emphasized the importance of equipping social workers with the necessary skills and confidence to handle challenging cases, ultimately fostering a safer and more supportive environment for vulnerable individuals.
According to Vijay Patel, head of safeguarding at the Social Care Institute for Excellence, the RIVRT training videos are invaluable for both new and experienced social workers. By providing a realistic and interactive learning experience, the VR training can benefit practitioners at any stage of their career.
Cornerstone VR plans to introduce the RIVRT solution to its existing customers before extending it to new clients. This innovative approach to training reflects the growing trend of using VR technology to enhance skills and knowledge in various industries, including healthcare and social care.
