Antser VR Information Portal - Antser

The Cornerstone Partnership is now proudly part of Antser

Antser VR Portal

Pioneers of the world’s first Virtual Reality experience for children’s services, with the goal of getting children on their best path as soon as possible.

ACCESS YOUR RESERVED AREA

The Cornerstone Partnership is now proudly part of Antser

The immersive nature of the Antser Virtual Reality (VR) programme allows the user to experience the impact of trauma, abuse and neglect through the eyes of the child. Our established programme is a clinically-led, technology enabled behaviour change tool. It is designed to enhance the adults understanding of a child’s emotions, trauma and potential triggers to improve the care, support and guidance they provide.

Cornerstone has become a part of the Antser group.
Click here to find out more about us. 

CONTENTS

Jump to the relevant section

Contact us

Antser VR Programme

Evaluation materials

Training assets

VR equipment

Our experienced team are on hand to support you, covering training, usage, evaluation and technical support. Please do get in touch will us with all enquires.

Jump to team

Access information on our history, content library, research reports, evaluation and outcomes data, also media articles relating to our  journey.

Jump to programme

View our evaluation strategy, download the forms to collect internal evaluation data, review event evaluation reports as well as a template for presenting case studies. 

Jump to evaluation

Here you will find the VR programme certification course, case study for training and additional course information. 

Jump to training

Your essential guide to the headset kit, learn how to use our  hardware and access the software simply and safely.

Jump to equipment

MEET THE TEAM

Our experienced team are here to support you

Alison Alexander

Strategic Director
VIEW PROFILE

Serena Hadi

Operations Manager
VIEW PROFILE

Shalene Lemmie

VR Service Manager
VIEW PROFILE
  • On maternity leave

Joy Waeland

Education Lead
VIEW PROFILE
  • joy.waelend@antser.com
  • +44 (0) 7391 612980
Siobhan Harper

Siobhan Harper

Business Development Director
VIEW PROFILE
  • siobhan.harper@antser.com
  • +44 (0) 7483 078013

James Orton

Concierge, Operations and Communications Officer
VIEW PROFILE
  • james@thecornerstonepartnership.com
  • +44 (0) 7483 078017

Callum Hurley

VR Technical Support & Administrator
VIEW PROFILE
  • callum@thecornerstonepartnership.com
  • +44 (0) 7483 091250
PIONEERS

Meet our Strategic Director – Alison Alexander

As the Strategic Director at Antser, Alison Alexander leads the company’s strategic mission to deliver improved outcomes for some of society’s most vulnerable. Alison’s efforts are focused on working in partnership with the sector and Antser clients by combining innovative technology with human-centred service solutions – to deliver positive change across the health, education and social care sectors.

Alison has over three decades of experience within children services on a global level having previously acted as Director of Children’s Services and more recently as a local authority CEO

Alison Alexander
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OUR PROGRAMME

Access a range of resources
about our VR programme here

Global use of VR

Read about the transformative value of VR - from hospitality to saving lives

Research reports

Access a range of external, independent evaluation into Antser VR programme

Evaluation and outcomes data

View a range of evaluation and outcomes reports
View a range of thematic reports

Content journey

See our VR content journey, from inception to world leader

View our content

An introduction to our content library – childhood to adolescence

Antser Virtual Vision

View the platform as it appears in the headset

USER EVALUATION

View our evaluation strategy and forms

Evaluation strategy

Evaluation data is really important for demonstrating outcomes of the VR programme. The strategy details our approach

Evaluation forms

Access a range of evaluation and feedback forms which we encourage users to complete after each use of VR

Case study template

Quantitative data and qualitative feedback from clients can be used to create powerful case studies to evidence the value of VR
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COURSE MATERIAL

Everything you need for training and certification

Training principles

Our 7 'Principles of Training' reflect the ethos of our organisation and underpin our training

Certification courses
Additional courses
Training materials

See the breadth of our training offer including our certification courses, supporting case study and additional training for professionals working with children

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EQUIPMENT

Quick start guide and troubleshooting

Access our Antser VR hardware and software guides to the headset case; the headset; clearing hints and tips; and the VR platform

Headset
Platform & content
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ANTSER VR

Knowledge, understanding and empathy

ANTSER VR

Welcome to the world of Antser

Across our group we work with 100% of local authorities in England – so you are probably know us already.  What our short video to find out more.

GROUP FACTS

Did you know…?

Trusted

Antser products and services are used in 100% of local authorities in England

Pioneers

We are global pioneers of VR enabled behaviour change services for fostering, adoption and beyond

Support

We are the largest provider of direct children’s services in the UK

Experts

We deliver over 3000 multi-disciplinary assessments every year across family and criminal law proceedings, and directly with local authorities

Market leader

We are the market leading provider of online policies and procedures, being used by over 90% of children’s and adult services in England

Innovators

Our technology is delivering sector first applications to support children’s services and deliver on essential KPIs

Our UK partners
Our international partners

We are proud to be working alongside Key Assets in the implementation of our VR programme across Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Finland, Sweden and Norway.

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Alison Alexander has had a long career working with and for young people. At 17, Alison represented children in care to Senior Executives across England, advocating for changes in the system and children’s lives, including her own. 

At 19, whilst living independently, Alison took on an advisory role for the Canadian child welfare system, assisting children in Canada, America, Sweden, Finland, Norway and Holland in finding their voices in care. She then went on to launch the first International Youth in Care Network, a transactional network for young people in care to share experiences and advice.

At the age of 21, Alison left her international post to focus on children’s services in the UK. 23 years later, after numerous roles in public and voluntary sectors, Alison became the Director of Children’s Services in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and, subsequently, the Director of Adult and Health Services.

Over her career, Alison has authored a Pavilion Award Winning book on Mentoring for care leavers, as well as specialising in transforming education provision, youth services, and health and social care. More recently, Alison was the first Director of Children’s Services to transform children’s service, through transferring the entire statutory function – along with children’s health services – out of the Local Authority. Furthermore, as Director of Adult Services, Alison strengthened collaboration with the Health sector, improving the overall quality of service.

In the last four years, Alison was Management Director of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, working in a highly political environment to transform the council. Changes included significantly rewiring the constitution of elected members and transferring 80% of the councils functions into a broad range of partnerships, indicative of an overarching passion to improve public services for children, families and the wider communities. At present,

Alison is channeling her experience – as strategic director of Antser – to increase the number of Local Authorities using virtual reality to improve the lives of children and families touched by the care system.

Qualifications:

  • Diploma in Youth and Community work (University of Essex)
  • Postgraduate in Psychological Counselling (University of Roehampton)
  • Master’s in Business Administration (University of Portsmouth)

Having worked directly with children in individual, familiar and group settings for many years, Serena Hadi is committed to improving services for children in and touched by the care system. Social Work England registered, Serena has 10 years’ experience of managing teams within the social care sector, delivering in service areas such as children’s homes, leaving care and commissioning.

Throughout her career she has engaged with multiple and varied stakeholders, quality assured a range of services, implemented and managed service improvement plans and, most importantly, kept the voice of children in focus, ensuring young people are entitled to the services they require. Underpinning this experience, Serena has numerous relevant qualifications.

Qualifications:

  • BSc in Psychology (University of Leeds)
  • Diploma in Social Work (Brunel University)
  • MA in Applied Social Sciences (Brunel University)
  • Post Graduate Certificate in Management and Leadership (Middlesex University)

Shalene Lemmie is a registered Social Worker, with a 15-year focus on Children and Families. Shalene has always had a passion for working with children and knew from a young age that she wanted to make a difference to their lives.

Qualifying at the age of 21, as part of the first cohort to complete a degree course in social work, Shalene started her career in the London Borough of Bexley’s Fostering and Adoption team.

Since then, Shalene has acquired further experience across Children’s Services and the London Boroughs, ranging from Child in Need to Child Protection. In the last six years, Shalene developed her expertise in safeguarding and court work through occupying various roles at CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service), including being a Service Manager in the London Private Law Team, where she supported the team in providing analytical and child-centred assessments, to achieve the best outcomes for children living in adversity.

Shalene brings to her role as VR Service Manager a wealth of experience, knowledge on the complex issues facing children and families and, crucially, a clear understanding of how best to integrate VR into the care system.

Qualifications:

  • DipSw and BA Hons in Social Work (Brunel University)
  • Graduate Diploma in Working with Children and Families – Consolidation Module and Specialist Module (Royal Holloway University)

With over 39 years’ experience in education, Joy Waeland has enjoyed a wide variety of roles in a number of different settings at both local and national level. Her simple passion is to make a positive difference to the lives of children and young people

A successful teaching career, followed by local authority advisory work, headship, senior school improvement leadership with another large local authority, consultant headship, highly successful consultancy services and training was followed by a return to headship after also working for QCDA as a Regional Curriculum Advisor.

She has experience of working on an individual basis with teachers and leaders, delivering inspirational, clear and thought-provoking messages to 200+ educational professionals, leading successful training and coaching to teachers and leaders at all levels.

Joy’s expertise is in the field of visionary school leadership, middle leader development, curriculum design and rapid, but sustainable school improvement. She is committed to the importance of higher order thinking and research in the development of exceptional teaching and learning opportunities for all children whatever their starting point in life.

Qualifications:

  • NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship)
  • MA in School Effectiveness (Sussex University)
  • School Improvement Partner Accreditation (National College)
  • DSL Training and Prevent training fully up to date.

Siobhan Harper is a senior level marketing, communications and business development professional with over 25 years’ experience across a range of sectors.

Prior to Antser, Siobhan was Business Development Director for a private equity backed group of independent fostering agencies – Partnerships in Children’s Services. Her responsibilities at PICS included management of the marketing, carer recruitment and assessment teams, as well as local authority contracts and partnerships.

James Orton is an anthropology graduate from the University of Manchester. Having become interested in people’s lived experience during his degree, James was keen to work with VR – at Cornerstone – bringing the lived experience of children touched by the care system to life.

In his post, James is a strong advocate for new technologies in the children’s care sector, assisting the delivery of Cornerstone’s VR Programme, as well as specialising in digital communications.

Callum Hurley is a Virtual Reality Technician with extensive knowledge of the technology and industry. After working in sales at Oculus and spending 4 years selling and promoting VR in the video games industry, Callum decided he wanted to do something with VR that really helped people; and that’s what led him to Cornerstone.

As Virtual Reality Technician, Callum brings his expert VR knowledge and experience to help complement the incredible work and talent already existent here at Cornerstone.

1

An executive summary of independent research into the Antser VR programme
Download

2

An overview of some of the applications of immersive technology in children’s social care including prevention and early intervention
Download

3

Evaluating VR Interventions: VR in Domestic Abuse Interventions (2020)
Download

1

High level overview of research and pilot activity findings across social care, education and the judiciary
Download

2

Summary case examples of the different ways the VR experience can be used
Download

3

Antser evaluation
Download

1

VR usage across education
Evaluation
Event log

2

VR usage across fostering

Evaluation
Event log

3

VR usage across family support

Evaluation
Event log

4

VR usage across adoption

Evaluation
Event log

5

VR usage across learning and development

Coming soon
Coming soon

6

VR usage across health
Coming soon
Coming soon
Our first journey explains the impact and healing process of childhood trauma. Click the image to access our Antser VR Childhood (Being Me) 2D content guide, with clickable links to Vimeo.

Our second journey travels into the teenage years and the adolescent brain. Between Us refers to the team around the child, and demonstrates that collectively we can respond and support in ways that will prevent further trauma and damage. 

Click the image to access our Antser VR Adolescences (Between Us) content library on Vimeo.

We are now hosting Third Party Content from the National Autistic Society, Alzheimer’s Research UK and The Children’s Society. Please find overviews and links for online (2D) viewing at the directory link below.
View our directory of VR content here
View

A Walk Through Dementia – How Can VR Help Dementia Patients?

Today, there are more than 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia.

Yet understanding of the diseases that cause dementia and the varied ways in which people experience the condition remains low.

A Walk Through Dementia was created to give a unique insight into life with dementia. It helps the user to think beyond memory loss, giving a fuller understanding of the practical and emotional impact of the condition.

The three scenarios enable the user to follow a person with dementia, Ann, as she goes shopping, walks home and then makes tea in her kitchen, experiencing first-hand the challenges that these everyday activities can present.

Each scenario uses a combination of computer-generated environments and 360° video sequences to illustrate in powerful detail how even seemingly simple tasks can become extremely challenging for someone with dementia.

— Iain Fossey, Alzheimer’s Research UK

1

Download our Antser VR Programme evaluation strategy here
Download

1

Evaluation form for the VR practitioners certification course
Download

2

Evaluation form for first time users of Antser VR
Download

3

Evaluation form for users 6 – 12 months after their first experience with VR
Download

4

Evaluation form for customer support training days
Download

5

Customer based reporting template – after each event
Download

6

Customer based – quarterly reporting template
Download

Training course overview:

1

View a list of all available courses
Download

Certification courses:

1

VR Certified Practitioner training course: A one day interactive training course to skill up professionals in using the VR experiences to help understanding and support in the impact of trauma, abuse and neglect on children with their client group in recruitment, pre-assessment and placement support

Download

2

VR Certified Practitioner training course – Early Help and Family Support: A one day interactive training course to skill up professionals in using the VR experiences to help understanding and support in the impact of trauma, abuse and neglect on children with their client group to promote positive relationships and family stability

Download

3

VR Certified Practitioner training course – Education: A one day interactive training course to skill up education professionals in using the VR experiences to support others in Trauma, Attachment and the Emotional Understanding of a child’s journey

Download

4

Certification course case study

Download

1

Recording Skills: an interactive workshop using our VR experiences to support best practice in recording skills for professionals across children’s services.

2

Trauma Aware Service: A one day interactive training programme exploring the impact of trauma abuse and neglect on children and young people. We will also look at what we as professionals and caregivers can do to support CYP with these experiences.

3

Life Story Workshop: This workshops explores how we can support caregivers in creating their child’s life story over their life span, how to respond to their questions and feelings using age appropriate language and strategies.

4

VR Placement Stability: Using VR to explore how we can assist caregivers in using therapeutic strategies to maintain placements for children who have experienced early life trauma.

5

Barrister training: A half day interactive workshop to introduce law professionals to the impact of trauma, abuse and neglect exploring the impact of this knowledge on their practice.

6

Assessment Session: An interactive workshop to support organisations in using VR experiences to support assessments within their service

7

Domestic Abuse: A training course to explore the impact of Domestic abuse and how professionals can promote behaviour change and understanding in clients

8

School Twilight Session: A brief interactive workshop to introduce the impact of trauma, abuse and neglect on children and young people to school staff

9

Refresher sessions: Sessions designed according to the individual needs of the organisation to support them in their use of VR within their context

10

How to use the VR Experiences in 2D on Vimeo: Sessions to support practitioners in using VR experiences in 2D within their existing contexts

11

Bespoke Training: Courses designed in response to organisation need and demand focussing on using the VR experiences to support specific learning

Training materials:

1

VR planning resource

2

Certification Course case study

3

Life story work case study – Jodie

4

Life story work case study – Charlie

5

VR viewing hints and tips

1

The headset kit – contents and packing

Download

2

A user guide for PICO headsets
Download

3

A guide to cleaning your PICO headset
Download

4

360 camera driver install (you will need to install this driver if you are using a 360 camera in Antser Virtual Vision)

Download

5

Printable guides are available here:

How to print
User guide
Cleaning guide

1

A guide to setting up your VR platform and content on your PICO headset
Download

2

Privacy notice for users of AVV platform
Download

Adopt South – the regional adoption agency made up of Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Portsmouth and Southampton City Councils – is using a VR experience…more

Helen Costa is the founder of Cornerstone, a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of children and families touched by the care system. She talks to Jenna Lomax about how virtual reality can improve vulnerable lives…more

Technology in Children’s Services: Policy Context: At its best, technology speeds up laborious inputting of information, enabling children’s services practitioners to spend more time with their clients, helps commissioners to identify trends…more

We don’t prepare people for the huge challenge of adoption: Shocked at how ill-equipped she felt as an adoptive parent, the social entrepreneur started to make VR films from the child’s perspective…more

VR technology which allows social workers to experience abuse through a child’s eyes to be used to cut gang crime: Virtual reality technology which allows social workers to experience abuse through a child’s eyes…more

Virtual reality used to help adoptive parents: BBC experiences virtual reality first hand to see how it is being used to help adoptive parents to understand the traumatic past of their child…more

Virtual Reality And Immersive Tech: The Great Health And Social Policy Revolution?: Social care is, by definition, how society supports the welfare of others – the young, old and vulnerable in our society who rely on this support to keep them safe…more

NHS Trust pioneers use of Virtual Reality for safeguarding training: An NHS Trust Hospital in Dartford, Darent Valley Hospital, is pioneering the use of Virtual Reality for their Safeguarding Training…more

NHS Trust pioneers use of Virtual Reality for safeguarding training: The VR training programme fits well within the aims and objective of the Think Family model and complements the training for the workforce….more

Antser calls for more awareness about child sexual exploitation: Social care solution provider Antser has called for more to be done to tackle the issue of child sexual exploitation throughout the year…..more

Council trials virtual reality project to prevent domestic abuse: The results of a trial using virtual reality storytelling to prevent domestic abuse has seen nine out of ten participants not re-offend more than a year later…more

Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford uses virtual reality for child abuse safeguarding training: Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford has started using the immersive tech to aid learning in the workplace…more

 

With over 39 years’ experience in education, Joy Waeland has enjoyed a wide variety of roles in a number of different settings at both local and national level. Her simple passion is to make a positive difference to the lives of children and young people

A successful teaching career, followed by local authority advisory work, headship, senior school improvement leadership with another large local authority, consultant headship, highly successful consultancy services and training was followed by a return to headship after also working for QCDA as a Regional Curriculum Advisor.

She has experience of working on an individual basis with teachers and leaders, delivering inspirational, clear and thought-provoking messages to 200+ educational professionals, leading successful training and coaching to teachers and leaders at all levels.

Joy’s expertise is in the field of visionary school leadership, middle leader development, curriculum design and rapid, but sustainable school improvement. She is committed to the importance of higher order thinking and research in the development of exceptional teaching and learning opportunities for all children whatever their starting point in life.

Qualifications:

  • NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship)
  • MA in School Effectiveness (Sussex University)
  • School Improvement Partner Accreditation (National College)
  • DSL Training and Prevent training fully up to date.

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