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Virtual reality brings careers to life at CU Scarborough’s Working in Care event for young learners
A student using a virtual reality headset at CU Scarborough's Working in Care event
Friday 18 October 2024
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Virtual reality was used to show how “rewarding and challenging” careers working with children, young people and families can make a real difference.
Around 160 sixth form and college students were welcomed to CU Scarborough’s Working in Care event which showcased the opportunities available in a sector that does not always get the recognition it deserves.
The students from places including Middlesbrough, Hull, York and Scarborough took part in a variety of workshops exploring potential careers, as well as discussing related topics.
A highlight for many was the chance to use virtual reality and simulation software created by the Health Simulation team at Coventry University’s School of Health and Care which allowed users to put themselves in the shoes of a young person speaking to numerous professionals to see how it would feel.
We talk about careers such as nursing, teaching and those roles that people see every day but there are so many rewarding, challenging and varied careers working with children, families and young people.
We can work with children and families for all sorts of reasons as it’s such a massive field: from early help and youth justice to all sorts of things around education, community work, building safer places to live and all those things that have an impact on people's lives.
We wanted those who came to the event to know what higher education can look like as well as inspiring people to think about this career area.
Rebecca Canning, Course Leader for Health at CU Scarborough, which is part of Coventry University Group
We were thrilled to be part of the Working in Care event at CU Scarborough. Our Health Simulation team developed a VR360 immersive video experience to provide students with a realistic and engaging insight into careers in health and social care.
Using VR technology allowed us to create interactive and hands-on learning environments that are both innovative and effective. This approach not only enhances the learning experience but also inspires students to consider the diverse and rewarding career opportunities available in this field.
Josie Tatum, Assistant Professor with Coventry University’s Health Simulation team
Other workshops were led by the charity PAPYRUS on how we talk about suicide, North Yorkshire RISE spoke about drug and alcohol provision particularly among young people, a North Yorkshire Youth workshop focused on recruitment in the sector and NHS service Wellbeing in Mind also ran sessions.
Creating opportunities for students to hear directly from those who work in the charity and voluntary sector provides a real insight into the day-to-day life of the industry. It also showcases the array of professions that make up a UK-wide charity and allows us to share some life-saving information with students for both professional and personal use focusing on PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide and its work to equip individuals with the skills to save a life and highlight its HOPELINE247 for anyone who is struggling with thoughts of suicide.”
James Parkes, Area Manager at PAPYRUS
For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice contact HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141, text 88247 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org.
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