The Connecting Realities Project uses VR and other digital technology as a tool to connect people to wellbeing experiences and community activities they would otherwise struggle to access, to reduce isolation and loneliness and improve health.
The project will:
- Promote, coordinate, and facilitate the use of the existing VR cameras to be used by community groups to virtualise their activity, creating a resource to support people at risk of isolation to connect meaningfully with events and experiences.
- Add value to the Pembrokeshire Digital Connections initiative by providing new material to be used by existing devices.
- Help prevent further isolation by supporting people to have confidence re-engaging in physical community activities through virtual practice and re-familiarisation tools.
- Solve logistical and technical challenges within the storing of VR data, and streamline editing, publishing, and sharing processes to ensure footage created through and following the pilot is accessible.
- Develop a centrally accessible library of footage for all Pembrokeshire groups, and residents, to use.
Activity will include:
- Livestreaming and filming events so that people can access them. By making events and activities available virtually, the project aims to reduce isolation and restore a feeling of connectedness within the community, whilst supporting organisers to reach their audience.
- The lockdown has led to a reduction of mobility for many. By providing information to support people to assess safety and familiarise themselves with routes and spaces, virtual experiences can lead to a restoration of physical activities and encourage new non-virtual connections.
- Creating truly immersive VR experiences. The project is building a library of virtual footage for people to view on a phone, tablet, or through a VR headset in a way that is as close to real as possible for people who cannot physically access experiences that could improve their wellbeing. These experiences will explore and celebrate the heritage and beautiful natural landscape of Pembrokeshire and the wider West Wales.
The project, which is coordinated by Sarah Beauclerk who has experience in both the creative and care industries, brings together a collaboration of partners, including Hywel Dda, PAVS, Planed, Pembrokeshire County Council, and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.
Please get in touch if you would like to get involved or to hear more about the project: [email protected]
Events and Activities:
As a first activity, the Connecting Realities project explored ways to virtually share the Pembrokeshire County Show. The agricultural event is a key highlight of the year for the farming and wider community but was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic and this year took place on a very small scale not open to the general public. So that people could still access the event, the project livestreamed sections of both show days online. Local Care Homes were especially invited to enjoy the activity as an entertainment as well as a reminiscence and sharing experience. Edited footage is now below - justn click play; footage filmed in VR360 will form an immersive 3D experience.
These views―'Tiny Planet'; which is a 360-degree effect of the planet in a fish-eye effect; and 'Crystal Ball'; which is literally like viewing the image within a Crystal Ball―are experimental ways to present and summarise 3D images and film.
Castell Henllys ‘Deep within the Ivy’ Experience Part of the Connecting Realities Project working in collaboration with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. Filmed at Castell Henllys in Pembrokeshire. For Oculus Devices and other Headsets, filmed with the Insta360 One X2.
Castell Henllys Magical Woodland Experience/VR Experience/Relaxing Nature Meditation Created by Outdoor Access (PCNPA) and VR (Connecting Realities) Coordinator Sarah Beauclerk, Discovery Ranger Tom Moses, and Volunteer Fiona Seymour. Part of the Connecting Realities Project working in collaboration with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. Filmed at Castell Henllys in Pembrokeshire. For Oculus Devices and other Headsets, filmed with the Insta360 One X2.
Castell Henllys VR360 Rushing Stream Experience/VR Experience/Relaxing Nature Meditation Created by Outdoor Access (PCNPA) and VR (Connecting Realities) Coordinator Sarah Beauclerk, Discovery Ranger Tom Moses, and Volunteer Fiona Seymour. Part of the Connecting Realities Project working in collaboration with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. For Oculus Devices and other Headsets, filmed with the Insta360 One X2.