Revolutionising Staff Development with VR Training
At New Horizons (NW), we always seek innovative ways to enhance our teams’ skills and knowledge, with VR training the latest addition to our development program.
We’re thrilled to share that our Training & Development Lead, Lewis, has recently introduced cutting-edge VR (Virtual Reality) training to one of our homes!
This game-changing approach takes staff development to the next level, ensuring our team is better equipped than ever to support the young people in our care.
How VR Training Transforms Staff Development
Traditional training methods, while effective, can sometimes struggle to fully capture the emotional and psychological experiences of young people in residential care. VR technology bridges this gap by placing our team in immersive, real-life scenarios reflecting young people’s challenges and adversities.
Through virtual experiences that simulate situations involving trauma, neglect, and complex behavioural responses, our staff can step into the shoes of those they support. This hands-on learning fosters a deeper understanding, empathy, and practical skill-building that can’t be achieved through textbooks or classroom-based training alone.
The Benefits of VR Training in Residential Care Staff Development
By incorporating VR into our training programmes, we’re enhancing how our staff learn and develop their skills. Some key benefits include:
✅ Deepened Empathy & Understanding – Experiencing a young person’s perspective first-hand strengthens our team’s ability to provide compassionate, person-centred care.
✅ Enhanced Trauma-Informed Practice – VR training helps staff recognise and respond appropriately to trauma-related behaviours, reinforcing best practices in trauma-informed care.
✅ Improved Decision-Making in Challenging Situations – By navigating complex scenarios in a risk-free environment, staff can refine their judgment and problem-solving skills.
✅ Boosted Confidence & Preparedness – Experiencing difficult situations in VR allows staff to develop the confidence needed to handle similar real-life challenges effectively.
A Commitment to Innovation & Excellence
At New Horizons (NW), we are dedicated to leading the way in innovative staff training. Investing in the latest technology ensures that our teams receive the highest quality learning experiences, empowering them to deliver the best possible care to the young people we support.
By embracing VR training, we are not only enhancing professional development but also reinforcing our commitment to excellence in residential care. We’re excited to see how this approach will continue to shape the future of our training programmes and, most importantly, improve outcomes for the young people we care for.
Stay tuned for more updates on how we’re pushing boundaries in staff development!
Join Our Mission:
We are seeking enthusiastic, empathetic, and driven individuals to join our team.
Whether you’re starting a new career or seeking a role with more meaning, New Horizons (NW) offers a path filled with rewards and possibilities.
We are currently hiring for various positions across Sefton and Lancashire.
Reach out to learn more about a career in residential children’s care, complete our online form, call 01704 518915 during offices hours, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm or email recruitment@newhorizonsnw.co.uk
