Wolverhampton Pilot Leads Way for New VR Training to Improve Night-Time Safety

A new virtual reality (VR) training programme aimed at improving safety in the night-time economy is set to roll out more widely following a successful pilot in Wolverhampton.

The training, Voices in the Dark, was trialled at Genting Casino Wolverhampton, bringing together more than 60 representatives from across the city and wider region, including West Midlands Police, Wolverhampton City Council, Wolverhampton Business Improvement District (BID) and local venue operators.

Developed by Birmingham-based organisation Calico, the programme uses immersive VR technology to help staff working in pubs, bars, nightclubs and casinos better understand women’s experiences on a night out - and respond more effectively.

Funded by Innovate UK, the training places participants in the perspective of a woman on a night out, from leaving home to returning safely, highlighting the everyday decisions many women make to stay safe. Rather than recreating incidents, the experience focuses on building awareness and encouraging reflection through lived experience.

The Wolverhampton pilot comes at a time when city partners are working together to strengthen safety and confidence in the city centre at weekends, with a focus on enhancing existing services that contribute to the welcoming environment after dark while supporting the local night-time economy. Plans include improved coordination between organisations, increased visible support for vulnerable people, and measures to make the city centre feel even safer and more accessible at night.

John Cooper, General Manager at Genting Casino Wolverhampton, said: “Taking part in the training has been incredibly valuable for our team. It gave our staff a deeper understanding of what a night out can feel like from a woman’s perspective.

“It’s not just about responding to incidents, but noticing the small moments and stepping in early. That awareness can make a real difference to customers’ safety.”

Cherry Shine, Managing Director of Wolverhampton BID, who attended the training, said: “This training really highlights the importance of seeing the night-time economy through the eyes of those who experience it differently.

“As a city, we’re committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming and vibrant environment, and initiatives like this help businesses better understand their role in making that happen. It’s about working together to strengthen confidence so people feel comfortable enjoying everything Wolverhampton has to offer at night.”

The focus on safety also reflects wider ambitions for Wolverhampton’s evening and night-time economy, with local plans that enhance the vibrant, inclusive and welcoming city centre between 5pm and 5am, where residents and visitors feel increasingly confident to spend time.

The pilot comes as new legislation introduced in April 2026 makes public sexual harassment a criminal offence in England and Wales, with offenders facing up to two years in prison. National figures show two in three women have experienced sexual harassment in the night-time economy, while 86% of women aged 18–24 report experiencing harassment in public spaces.

Calico has already worked with emergency services across the UK, training around 700 new police recruits through its wider programmes, including its earlier VR project CurfewVR. Martha Harrison, Co-Founder and Director at Calico, said: “When you’re out at night, the way staff respond to situations can make a huge difference. Sometimes it’s about small actions - noticing when someone feels uncomfortable or checking in with a customer.

“By helping teams understand what those moments feel like from a woman’s perspective, we can support safer nightlife for everyone.”

Director and Co-Founder Daz Cox added: “Wolverhampton has been a fantastic place to pilot this work, bringing together venues, police and local partners. We want to build on this momentum and support more towns and cities to create nightlife environments where people feel safe and respected.”

Following the Wolverhampton pilot, Voices in the Dark will now be rolled out to venues and partners across the UK in May 2026, supporting closer collaboration between venues, local authorities and police to improve safety across the night-time economy.

For more information, visit:https://wearecalico.co.uk