What is available?

The Cheshire Sandstone Ridge Trust commissioned GIZMO MEDIA to develop a free Virtual Reality resource for the local community to benefit from. GIZMO MEDIA has created a series of VR Tours of popular locations throughout the Cheshire Sandstone Ridge, such as Beeston Castle, Delamere Forest, Helsby Hill & Woods, Raw Head, Frodsham Hill & Woods, Bickerton Hill, Bulkeley Hill Woods and various other locations.

Currently we have five VR Headsets that are available to rent for free. and Online training is provided on how to operate the VR headsets and some important health & safety information around using VR headsets in care homes and primary schools is provided.

Our VR Tours are aimed at organisations who provide services in the community for the elderly and people who experience loneliness or have mobility challenges. Such groups can utilise the VR headsets to help people explore amazing places and reconnect with the natural beauty of the Sandstone Ridge.

This is also an ideal opportunity for local primary schools, to introduce Virtual Reality as a technology that can be used to help children to learn about geology, habitats and the natural environment.

Case study videos

OPAL - Group session

Primary school

Community centre

Retirement village

Care at home

War memorial hospital

The Cheshire Sandstone Ridge Trust

VR Headset Free Hire – Terms and Conditions

These terms apply to the free hire of Virtual Reality (VR) headsets owned by the Cheshire Sandstone Ridge Trust (“the Trust”).

1. Eligibility

VR headsets are available for free hire to eligible organisations located on, or reasonably close to, the Cheshire Sandstone Ridge area.

Eligible organisations must have a registered premises or office and be one of the following:

* Community interest group

* Social enterprise

* Youth group or Scout group

* Registered charity

* School or college

* Registered care home

* Parish council

* Local authority adult social care

The Trust reserves the right to determine eligibility and prioritise applications where demand exceeds the number of headsets available.

2. Equipment Available

The Trust has five VR headsets available for hire. Each headset includes a selection of 360-degree virtual reality tours featuring locations around the Cheshire Sandstone Ridge.

All equipment remains the property of the Cheshire Sandstone Ridge Trust at all times.

3. Nominated Responsible Person and VR Session Leader

The hiring organisation must nominate a responsible individual, such as an activities coordinator, teacher, practitioner, group leader or Scout leader.

The nominated person will be the main point of contact and is responsible for:

* Receiving and returning the equipment as agreed with the Trust.

* Looking after the VR headsets during the hire period.

* Ensuring the equipment is used appropriately and under suitable supervision.

* Ensuring the equipment is stored safely in a clean, dry and secure environment when not in use.

* Reporting any loss, damage, faults or concerns to the Trust as soon as possible.

* The nominated responsible person must complete the free online VR training that is provided by VR CARE, joining instructions will be provided.

* If the nominated responsible person isn't running the VR sessions and another person (VR Session Leader) will be delivering the VR Sessions, then the nominated responsible person must ensure that the VR Session Leader and anyone else assisting in running the VR Session, must all complete the online training. Each person must complete the online course individually to ensure that each person receives a course completion certificate with their name registered on the certificate. Each person delivering the VR Sessions must run the session in line with the health and safety guidelines provided by VR CARE.

* VR Session Leaders must ensure equipment is handled and used correctly, reporting any faulty/damaged equipment to the Nominated Responsible Person who would report it on return to the Trust.

4. Supervised Use and Consent

The hiring organisation acknowledges that the VR headsets are to be used in a supervised setting.

Users should be given appropriate guidance before using a headset, including instructions to remain seated or otherwise positioned safely where appropriate and to stop using the equipment if they feel unwell, dizzy or uncomfortable.

By allowing individuals to take part, the hiring organisation confirms that use of the VR equipment is voluntary and that users, or an appropriate parent, guardian or responsible person where necessary, have consented to participation.

The nominated responsible person must ensure that appropriate supervision is provided throughout use of the VR headsets.

5. Care of Equipment

The hiring organisation must take reasonable care of all equipment and must not attempt to alter, repair or modify the headsets or their installed content.

The equipment must not be used in wet conditions, exposed to excessive heat, or stored in direct sunlight.

The hiring organisation must return the equipment, including any accessories supplied, at the agreed time and in substantially the same condition as when hired, allowing for reasonable wear and tear.

6. Damage, Loss or Theft

Any loss, theft, damage or malfunction must be reported to the Trust as soon as possible.

The Trust reserves the right to discuss the circumstances of any significant loss or damage with the hiring organisation and, where appropriate, seek recovery of reasonable repair or replacement costs.

7. Hire Period and Return

The equipment is provided free of charge for the agreed hire period only.

The hiring organisation must return the equipment at the agreed date, time and location, unless an alternative arrangement has been agreed in advance by the Trust.

8. Cancellation or Changes

If the organisation no longer requires the VR headsets, it should notify the Trust as soon as possible so that the equipment can be made available to another eligible organisation.

The Trust may cancel or amend a booking where necessary, including where equipment becomes unavailable or requires maintenance.

9. Acceptance of Terms

By accepting delivery or collection of the VR headsets, the hiring organisation and its nominated responsible person agree to these Terms and Conditions and confirm that they will take reasonable care of the equipment and ensure its safe and supervised use.

Cheshire Sandstone Ridge Trust

VR Experience Equipment Hire

Free hire application form