VR knife crime project delivered to Merseyside's young people
It's aimed at educating them on the consequences of carrying a blade
More than 1,000 young people across Merseyside have been shown the potentially fatal consequences of carrying a knife, through the use of virtual reality.
The VR was developed by Everton in the Community (EitC), Ludovico and Juice Immersive, with funding from Merseyside Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner.
The experience, which some of the young people helped create, is aimed at helping them to explore the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife from a first-person perspective.
It invites those watching to make decisions in response to what they see, with their choices shaping what happens.
It features Merseyside Police officers to reinforce the real-world consequences of knife crime.
EitC's Youth Inclusion Manager, Jen Harden, said:
"Our in-depth track record of working with young people from all walks of the city at Everton in the Community enables us to know how to deliver these key positive messages effectively to our participants.
"Our latest project with Merseyside Police is another example of that, through utilising fantastic technological innovation which brings that message to life in a captivating, and ground-breaking way.
"Reiterating another crucial life lesson to young people"
"This piece not only enforces an important message to young people in a unique and powerful way, it also amplifies our vital strategic partnership with Merseyside Police which aims to to build stronger communities and tackle key social issues prevalent in our region.
"We're now entering into the next, exciting step of the partnership through a new 360-degree immersive experience which is reiterating another crucial life lesson to young people."
Superintendent Phil Mullally, Merseyside's Lead for Serious Violence and Knife Crime, said:
"This innovative VR project is a powerful tool in our efforts to prevent knife crime. By immersing young people in realistic, first-person scenarios, it helps them understand the real-life consequences of carrying a knife in a way that's both impactful and thought-provoking.
"Education and early intervention are key"
"We are proud to support this initiative alongside Everton in the Community, and it's encouraging to see so many young people across Merseyside engaging with it.
"Education and early intervention are key to keeping our communities safe, and projects like this are vital in helping young people make informed, positive choices."
This project coincides with the start of a week-long campaign to tackle knife crime across Merseyside.
Operation Sceptre will see officers carry out a number of operations - including stop searches, weapon sweeps, search warrants, and the deployment of knife detection arches.
A knife surrender is also now in effect until Sunday 25 May. It allows people to give up weapons to ten police stations across Liverpool, St Helens, Knowsley, Sefton, and Wirral.
Superintendent Mullally added:
"Sceptre gives us a vital opportunity to highlight the proactive work we are doing to tackle knife crime. This includes conducting weapon sweeps, high-visibility patrols, delivering educational talks in schools, and working closely with retailers to ensure responsible sales practices.
"Our commitment to removing knives from our streets remains unwavering, and we urge the public to report any concerns about individuals carrying weapons in our community.
"But this week is about more than just enforcement - it's about prevention, education, and engagement. One of our top priorities is steering young people away from knife crime.
"We're doing this by collaborating with partner agencies and charities, including the Violence Reduction Partnership, to identify those at risk and support them in making positive life choices."