FAQs

We suggest you communicate with attendees, through email/letter/advertisement, to make them aware that you are going to be sharing emotive content which may trigger feelings about their own experiences. This will grant them the opportunity to reach out and discuss any worries prior to the session, and allow them to understand the material\u2019s themes a bit further. Also, throughout any messaging, make attendees aware that any concerns regarding physical or mental wellbeing \u2013 and the impact upon which a VR headset may have \u2013 should be discussed with the relevant practitioners (e.g. a GP). If attendees are, for whatever reason, unable to use the VR headsets, 2D versions of the content can be provided. Please also see a below excerpt, which is included in all joining instructions:

\u201cOur VR experiences explore themes which some viewers may find upsetting. Please get in touch before the training if you\u2019d like to discuss this in more detail. Furthermore if you have any concerns that your physical or mental wellbeing might be impacted by the use of a VR headset, please seek advice from a relevant medical practitioner (e.g. your GP), as we are unable to provide medical advice.\u201d

It is okay to feel nervous about using the content. We strongly advise that you have a clear objective for using the VR films and remember that not every film is going to be appropriate for your audience(s). Think about your session planning; e.g. how you can support/prepare your audience for accessing the films. Be clear at the beginning of your session that if anyone wants to come out of the headsets, at any time, they can. They also don\u2019t have to wear the headband over their head, and can just hold the headset to their face. If someone is upset by the content, connect with them; if you can\u2019t do that immediately, offer them an opportunity during a break or at your earliest opportunity. If you\u2019re designating work in pairs, it can be useful to task one attendee with emotional/headset support duties. Remember, if someone is upset by the content it is important we understand what has been difficult for them and provide them with the opportunity for discussion/support whether that\u2019s directly, via their line manager, their support network or external services. Prior to delivering your session, think about what services you can signpost attendees towards; for example, is there a counselling service within your council?

This ultimately depends on how you plan to use the films. For example, if the films are being used for training or to complement already established training material, your session may last a day; however if you are using the VR films in a very specific context focus, your session may be 1-2 hours. In all cases, we would suggest leaving time at the end for reflection/discussion.

• A session may last between 1-2 hours, in cases where you are only using 1 or 2 VR experiences.
• When developing sessions focused only on the VR content, it\u2019s important that you consider the size of your group. Feedback from our other partners suggests that group sizes of 10-12 are optimal, as they allow good time for reflective discussion and support. However, in more focused sessions, you may feel that smaller groups are more appropriate to meet your objectives.
• If you are delivering a one-to-one session, for example showing 1 or 2 VR experiences, a 1\u20132-hour session is appropriate.

Please note: if your group or individual discussions take you away from your session plan and you don\u2019t deliver all content, that is okay! Remember to focus on the identified need and take time to really hear what\u2019s being communicated.

All of our partners have a dedicated VR Service Manager to support you with your VR journey. If you are unsure of who your service manager is, please email vradmin@antser.com.

Some partners have devised a logging in/out system, for example creating a spreadsheet/database in a shared folder/on a Microsoft Teams channel, that acts as a live diary for all VR headsets. Headset tracking resources, such as these, encourage Certified Practitioners to sign in/out headsets, as well as confirm length of use. This also helps partners to track the condition of headsets, ensuring they have been cleaned, charged and returned with all accessories.

If your service covers a large footprint, think about distributing the headsets to specific area offices where Certified Practitioners in that area can access them.

Some partners have divided their headsets into specific regional areas, and have grouped practitioners from those areas together to take joint ownership of the headsets. Within those groups, they use email groups and/or Microsoft Teams chats to track when and who needs headsets.

Other partners, with smaller numbers of headsets, have focused on specific pilots; for example where one team will have use of the headsets for a set period of time to gather data and evaluate the impact within that service. The headsets may then move onto another team.

Storing headsets is ultimately down to the partner but crucially, as described within our FAQs, the responsibility of the VR headsets lies with the partner once headsets have been delivered. We therefore recommend that headsets are kept locked in a safe place when not in use.

Please note: sunlight irreparably damages the lenses of the VR headsets. The headsets, therefore, should be kept out of the sun at all times (this includes leaving them on the windowsill, for example!)