Antser has been named the winner in the Public Private Partnership category at this year’s LaingBuisson Awards for its work in helping to reduce child exploitation across three London boroughs – Redbridge, Waltham Forest and Enfield.
The partnership used Antser’s innovative virtual reality (VR) with young people identified as at significant risk of extra-familial harm (EFH) for the first time. The programme was also used with parents, carers and professionals working with young people by immersing them in real-life scenarios, thereby increasing their understanding of child criminal exploitation (CCE) to help protect them further.
Overall, feedback for the project has been overwhelmingly positive. Over 85 percent of parents said they had a better understanding of the experiences their child may be going through, while over 90 percent agreed they felt more able to discuss how to protect and/or support their child with a practitioner since using the VR.
Richard Dooner, Chief Executive Officer at Antser, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to have won the Public Private Partnership Award at the highly prestigious LaingBuisson Awards this year. To have been shortlisted among some of the top organisations, which are all doing exemplary work throughout the sector, is an honour, so to have won is an absolute bonus.”
“Our work with the London tri-boroughs demonstrates how VR is an effective and efficient way to educate young people and the individuals supporting them, offering ‘perspective-taking’ and simulating real-life experiences with a highly engaging piece of technology.
“This project in particular stands out in terms of innovation as it has allowed for joint work with both parents and young people to take place, as opposed to separate meetings which sometimes can lead to disjointed views and understanding within the family space. We are incredibly proud of this project and to have it recognised in such a public way with an award win is absolutely fantastic.
To find out more about our VR Programme visit https://www.antser.com/virtualreality
