Newton Aycliffe Community Safety Group launches VR project for young people
Through the Newton Aycliffe Community Safety Group, we’ve helped introduce an innovative virtual reality project in schools, giving young people a safe way to step into real‑life situations and see the real consequences of anti‑social behaviour.
This £8,000 partner‑funded project, including £2,000 from our Safer Place Grant, is a positive step towards reducing anti‑social behaviour in the town centre, where young people are still linked to a significant number of incidents. By using innovative tools like virtual reality headsets, they aim to create positive behaviour change.
The Newton Aycliffe Community Safety Group brings together local partners including Lifeline Community Action, who lead the project, Durham County Council, Great Aycliffe Town Council, Durham Constabulary and the Police and Crime Commissioner to tackle issues affecting the town and support safer communities. By supporting initiatives like this, we continue to invest in practical, forward‑thinking solutions that make a real difference, using strong partnerships and new approaches to create safer neighbourhoods and better opportunities for young people.
Andy Boyd, Community and Safety Engagement Coordinator said: "Education is paramount in tackling issues associated with Anti-Social Behaviour and knife crime. Virtual reality doesn’t just tell young people about the consequences of knife crime and anti-social behaviour, it lets them feel them. By stepping into real-world scenarios, they can experience the ripple effects on victims, families, and entire communities in a way that builds empathy, challenges choices, and inspires safer, more responsible decisions before it’s too late".
Andy Coulthard, Community Regeneration Manager said: “Investing in innovative tools like VR allows us to engage young people in a powerful, immersive way, helping them understand the real-life consequences of anti-social behaviour and crime before they face them in reality. By combining education with technology, we’re equipping our communities with the awareness and resilience making a positive contribution towards safer communities.”
Pictured: Left to right, Robbie Waugh (Town Centre Manager), Steven Cooper (Great Aycliffe Town Council), Kate Ward (Durham County Council Community Protection), Will Todd (Community Safety Officer, Police Crime and Commissioners office), John Bell (Durham County Council ASB Intervention Team), Michelle Dale (NPT Newton Aycliffe), Andy Coulthard (Community Regeneration Manager) and Andy Boyd (Community and Safety Coordinator).