West Lothian Teenagers To Enter A Virtual Reality World Of Electrical Safety

• Livingston-based Flosverse Techsphere creates immersive VR experience.
• Students can experience and tackle electrical safety threats in the home.
• Project specially selected by panel of experts at Electrical Safety First.

LIVINGSTON, WEST LOTHIAN – Teenagers at West Lothian College will be donning virtual reality (VR) helmets to tackle a home full of potential electrical hazards in an important new education initiative.

The college is hosting a session run by Flosverse Techsphere showcasing a brand-new VR experience, which allows users to walk around a house and test their knowledge on whether its electrical appliances are being used safely or pose a risk.

Supported by funding from leading UK charity Electrical Safety First, the initiative aims to improve awareness among teenagers about electrical safety issues in the home by engaging them using technology they enjoy using. It fills an existing gap in safety education with an innovative solution to enhance their understanding of safe practices.

Florence Aluu, the director of Flosverse Techsphere, says: “Electrical accidents involving children are a common safety concern in households. Traditional methods of teaching electrical safety, such as lectures or pamphlets, often fail to engage children.

“There is a need for innovative, interactive, and engaging educational resources that can capture children’s attention and deliver safety messages effectively.

“Virtual reality (VR) has been increasingly recognised for its effectiveness in educational contexts, especially among younger audiences. It offers a unique opportunity to create immersive learning experiences that can improve knowledge retention and behaviour change.”

MEDIA INVITATION TO ATTEND

Media are invited to attend the session on Friday 15 March for filming, interviews, and photos. Please ensure you contact Florence Aluu prior to the day, do not arrive without making arrangements first.

Event details for media:

• Address: West Lothian College, Almondvale Cres, Livingston EH54 7EP
• The event is taking place in the Sports Hall and begins at 12 noon.
• View directions to the college

PROJECT FUNDING FROM ELECTRICAL SAFETY FIRST

The grant is provided by the Electrical Safety Fund, a major annual grant scheme which helps those most vulnerable to electrical injuries in their homes.

Run by the national campaigning charity Electrical Safety First, the fund provides £250,000 to support dozens of local community projects across the UK that aim to reduce domestic electrical risks.

Around half of all domestic fires in the UK are caused by electricity, with most of those arising from electrical products.

Samuel Terry, Policy and Research Manager at Electrical Safety First, says: “Electrical safety risks have been exacerbated in recent years by several wider factors, including the cost-of-living crisis, rocketing inflation, and rising energy prices.

“We are delighted to be funding projects that seek to keep people safe in their homes, with a focus on tackling risks associated with electrical products, increasing the public’s awareness of electrical safety, and promoting changes in behaviour.”