New Virtual Reality plan one of the KCOM Community Grant winners

A youth centre using VR technology to provide therapy for young people is one of the latest winners of a KCOM Community Grant.

Three groups from across the region have each been awarded £1,000 in the latest round of grants including Hull’s The Warren Youth Project, Hibaldstow Methodist Hall and St John of Beverley Catholic Primary School.

The Warren will use its grant to buy high tech Virtual Reality headsets which will then be used to provide mental health and employability training sessions for young people in Hull.

St John of Beverley Catholic Primary School, which caters for 165 children from East Riding villages, will spend its grant buying educational equipment which Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils will use to learn new digital and coding skills.

Finally, Hibaldstow Methodist Hall, in North Lincolnshire, will use its grant to improve its garden which is used by various local community groups for events including garden parties, yoga sessions and late night stargazing with the Hibaldstow Astronomical Society.

Dale Raneberg, KCOM chief executive officer, said: “I’m so pleased to announce our latest three Community Grants winners which are helping to make lives better in communities right across our region.

“Once again the quality of applications was incredibly high and it was a difficult decision for our panel of judges to pick just three winners, but I know our finalists will put the money to good use and make a real difference with their forthcoming projects.”

A spokesperson for The Warren said it was delighted to receive the funding, adding: “We want to ensure no young person is left behind and we believe that through the use of new and emerging technology, such as VR, we can bridge the digital-divide. This will give young people access to new knowledge and skills which will enhance their confidence, self-esteem and abilities in all future endeavours.”

Three KCOM Community Grants of up to £1,000 each are awarded every two months and are available to any charity or community group with the KCOM area of Hull, East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. The window for applications is always open and the only criteria for entry is that each entrant must work to help improve quality of life for people within their community. The next awards will be announced in December.

For more details and how to apply for a KCOM Community Grant visit

https://www.kcom.com/responsibility/sustainability/community-grants/