Virtual reality will soon be helping north Cumbrians with learning disabilities to experience new places and gain skills and confidence, thanks to funding provided by Fibrus Broadband.
Fibrus has allocated £50,000 of its community fund so far this year to help local groups across Cumbria to tackle digital poverty.
The latest round of funding has given grants to almost 30 Cumbrian projects, including Longtown community hall, which will now be able to set up an iPad loan scheme, and Friends of Newtown School to fund the purchase of 11 laptops.
Chrysalis, a Wigton-based charity which supports people with learning disabilities, has bought VR headsets and specialist educational software with its Fibrus grant.
Now users can try a host of fully immersive virtual experiences such as visiting art galleries, theatres and castles and different countries, cultures and different landscapes.
Chrysalis runs an extensive activity programme including fell walking, sailing, shopping and music including running its own two rock bands and choir.
Claire Doherty, Chrysalis CEO, said: “It’s fantastic to get this grant. The VR will enhance our usual activities and visits and help people to prepare for them, and to practice life skills.
“Some people can find new environments challenging and we can use the virtual reality to break it down into stages while they develop the confidence.
“It will also provide opportunities to do things they might never get the chance for in terms of travel. You could visit the Globe Theatre in London or be walking through a jungle or visiting a music festival, or a country in South America or Asia.”
It can also help people with sensory regulation if they are feeling overloaded, providing relaxing scenes and music, she said.
“The people we support are often excluded from digital opportunities and while we do have a range of mechanisms to support them, this will be something new.
Chrysalis, which supports 70 people across north Cumbria, received £2,000, the maximum grant available from the fund, which is delivered in partnership with the Cumbria Community Foundation.
Linda McMillan, chief people officer at Fibrus, said: “One of our primary goals is to enhance people’s lives by improving digital literacy and connectivity, and this is what the Fund seeks to achieve.
“We believe every person deserves access to essential services in Cumbria and beyond and the Fibrus Community Fund is a vital part of our mission to foster a more digitally inclusive society.
“This year, we received some fantastic applications from organisations working hard to support those in need in their community and we are honoured to play a part in their journey.
“We eagerly anticipate seeing these groups grow and develop in the coming months.”
Lisa Blackwell, grants and programmes officer at the Community Foundation Cumbria, said the partnership with Fibrus had been instrumental in driving change in Cumbria.
‘Reducing digital poverty is crucial in tackling the ‘digital divide’; which will in turn increase opportunities and health and wellbeing outcomes for whole communities.
“Digital poverty is not just a lack of access to devices and digital infrastructure, but includes a lack of support in using technology independently and with confidence.
“Thanks to the Fibrus Community Fund, local organisations and community facilities will be able to provide devices and digital inclusion projects to people most in need.’
In addition to setting up the Community Fund, Fibrus has demonstrated its support for Cumbrian communities by launching a fund for grassroots clubs, which invests £50,000 in boys’ and girls’ sport across Northern Ireland and Cumbria.
