At Lancaster Sociology Deptment we have teamed up with the Environment Agency and the University of Hull to develop an exciting new 360 video experience based on a flood narrative we collected during our ESRC Children, Young People and Flooding project.

Help Callum tells the story of a young boy who was flooded out of his home and the impact this had on him, his family and his neighbourhood. The story begins on the day of the flood, as Callum and his parents watch the water rise to the point when there is no alternative but to evacuate: Dad said, ‘We need to go now. When I say now, I mean now.’

We then follow Callum in the weeks and months after the flood, as he and his family deal with the difficult process of recovery. The story ends when Callum finally moves back home after eight months - but the place feels like a ‘ghost town’ as most of his neighbours are still unable to return. And what if it floods again…?

While this virtual reality video provides a child’s perspective, it is aimed at promoting flood risk awareness among all age groups. Viewers are asked to think how they would ‘help Callum’ with the different challenges he faces, opening up discussion about the nature of flood risk and the complexities of recovery.

The video will be launched on 30^th September at 2pm via this YouTube link.

For the best experience access via the YouTube app on a smartphone. If you have a cardboard virtual reality headset this will give you the full Virtual Reality experience!