Sessions put participants face-to-face with real-life scenarios using VR to bring the dangers to life and encourage honest conversations around decision-making and consequences.
The programme is led by Suffia Hussain of Project On Guard, an award-winning community safety initiative from Goshukan Karate Academy WY.
At the centre of the scheme is Virtual Decisions, an immersive VR platform (Image: Supplied)
Ms Hussain said: “The feedback has been incredible.
“Young people are engaging in a way that’s real.
“They’re not being lectured to, they’re being immersed in decisions, then supported to unpack what it all means for them and their world.”
At the centre of the scheme is Virtual Decisions, an immersive VR platform that places young people in high-stakes, realistic scenarios.
One parent whose daughter took part in the sessions said: “She came back from the workshop telling me about situations she’d never thought about before.
“It’s opened her eyes and mine as well”
After taking part, they engage in group discussions to reflect on the experience, challenge dangerous beliefs, and build empathy.
One recent session, Virtual Decisions: Knives, was delivered at JTI Masjid Southfield Square.
Mohammed Azeem, a volunteer at the mosque who helped organise the session, said: “I was able to see just how intense the pressure on young people can be — and how difficult it truly is to make the right choices.
“Suffia is a brilliant facilitator — experienced, trauma-informed, honest, and non-judgmental.
“Her approach resonates deeply with young people, and her impact is clear.”
The programme is open to schools, youth services, sports clubs, and community organisations working with young people aged 12 to 18.
The programme is open to schools, youth services, sports clubs, and community organisations (Image: Supplied)
There are four strands available: Knives, Gangs, Influence (grooming and control), and Identity.
Alison Lowe OBE, West Yorkshire’s deputy mayor for policing and crime, said: “This immersive learning approach really captures the attention of young people and is a crucial tool in our partnership efforts to tackle serious violence.
“By using technology to educate, we can do more to change attitudes and behaviours and ultimately save lives.”
Akhtar Malik, development manager at BYDP, said the sessions are much needed.
He said: “This is a great partnership project between BYDP and Project On Guard – Goshukan Karate Academy WY and is much needed in tackling knives and gang cultures across West Yorkshire.”
It is being delivered in partnership with the Bradford Youth Development Partnership (BYDP) and is fully funded until March 2026.