As Immerse UK adapts to the fast-changing environment, influenced by the spread of Covid-19, we are building online resources, to signpost information, support, advice for individuals and businesses.
This resource will be updated regularly. If you have any information that you think is relevant to share with the immersive community, please do contact us for us to include on this page.
Last updated: Monday 4 May 2020
This page includes:
- Immerse UK webinars and online Covid-19 drop-in sessions
- Immerse UK Social VR Platforms webinar series
- Online Covid-19 drop-in sessions
- Immerse UK online cafe
- Webinar recording: Legal Implications of COVID-19 for Commercial Contracts and Employment Agreements
- Immerse UK/Sheridans Covid-19 contract hotline
- Information on collaborative working remotely and virtual events
- Government support and guidance
- Business support and guidance
- Finance, funding and grant information
- Support and advice for individuals
- Managing anxiety, health and wellbeing
- Special offers from Immerse UK partners
Immerse UK webinars and online Covid-19 drop-in sessions
Immerse UK Social VR Platforms Webinar Series
We are running a series of webinars to help people who are looking for alternative options for virtual collaboration, online conferences, & remote working. Each webinar will focus on two platforms and will involve a panel of unbiased XR experts who have used the two platforms extensively. There will be an introduction to each platform, honest feedback on their capabilities and limitations, and an opportunity for Q&A at the end.
We’ve two webinar lined up in May:
- Monday 11 May | Exploring Rumii & Altspace | in partnership with Educators in VR
- Tuesday 19 May | Exploring VirBELA & Meet in VR | in partnership with Laval Virtual
You can find out more about these webinars and book your place by visiting our Social VR Platforms Webinar Series page
You can also watch the first webinar in this series Engage & Mozilla Hub, recorded on Tuesday 7 April and delivered in partnership with Educators in VR. Watch here
Online Covid-19 drop-in sessions
Every Tuesday throughout May, Immerse UK will be running a series of free online drop-in sessions every Tuesday for individuals and businesses from across the immersive tech sector in response to the challenges faced due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Places are limited, so advance booking is essential. Read more and book your place
Immerse UK online cafe
The Immerse UK cafe will be open every Monday from 3-5 until the end of May 2020 (excluding Easter Monday & both May Bank Holidays). Drop in for a casual chat with other members of the XR community. No need to register, simply grab a cuppa and click here to join the conversation
Webinar recording: Legal Implications of COVID-19 for Commercial Contracts and Employment Agreements
Simon Halberstam, head of Tech Law and Daniel Cotton, employment lawyer at Simons Muirhead, Solicitors, explores the legal implications of COVID-19 for commercial contracts and employment agreements with particular focus on the rights of termination and changes to previously agreed terms and conditions. Watch the webinar in full
Immerse UK/Sheridans Covid-19 Contract Hotline
If you are dealing with uncertainty about projects, staffing issues or fast tracking R&D tax claims, Sheridans are providing a free emergency hotline to help you and your business through this difficult time.
The line opens today and is available from 10am-5pm, Monday to Friday and is free of charge to everyone from across the Immerse UK network.
Email interactivegroup@sheridans.co.uk if you need help or have questions, a member of the team will be able to get back to you
Information on collaborative working remotely and virtual events
34 VR Apps for Remote Work, Education, Training, Design Review, and More
Road to VR highlights a range of remote collaboration VR platforms to help with meeting, events, training and beyond. Read more
COVID-19: Ultimate Guide to Free Video Conferencing & Collaboration
UC Today provides a comprehensive guide to video conferencing. Read more
Free Trials for Dynamics 365 Remote Assist on HoloLens and Mobile
You can now try Microsoft Dynamics 365 Remote Assist for free on your HoloLens 1, HoloLens 2 or mobile devices, including tablets. Free trials for 30-90 days. Read more
Support from Kaleidoscope and the Museum of Other Realities
Kaleidoscope and the Museum of Other Realities have partnered to help anyone in the XR community host their events in virtual reality. If you’ve had to cancel or postpone your festival, conference, or other industry event, you can contact them for further support.
Government support and guidance
Guidance for employees, employers and businesses – from preventing the spread of the virus through to grant funding and statutory sick pay. Read more
HM Treasury Factsheet
Created on 18 March, this factsheet shares more information on how to access government financial support if you or your business has been affected by Covid-19. Download the HM Treasure Covid Factsheet
HMRC Hotline
If you run a business or are self-employed and are concerned about paying your tax due to coronavirus, you can call HMRC’s helpline for help and advice: 0800 0159 559. Read more
Innovate UK Business Connect statement
Innovate UK Business Connect’s response to Covid-19, and the steps it is taking to continue support in connecting businesses. Read more
Business support and guidance
Growth Platform advice
A suite of resources and support for businesses and employers in Liverpool City Region (and beyond) who may be affected by Covid-19. Read more
Enterprise Nation – support and advice
Enterprise Nation has produced a range of support for start-ups and SMEs, from a business survival guide webinar recording through to wide range of practical advice from getting invoices paid through to improving productivity when working at home – and much more. Read more
CIPD – Coronavirus factsheet
The CIPD’s Coronavirus factsheet gives employers practical advice and tips for supporting employees and developing flexible resourcing plans. Read more
UKIE/Sheridans Hotline
A free emergency contract hotline to help games businesses. Available 9am-5pm to Friday 20 March. Read more
UKIE – Ukiepedia
A range of games industry relevant resources, support and other content in relation to the outbreak. Read more
Northern Ireland Screen
Practical advice for those working in the screen industries in Northern Ireland, but relevant info for broader audiences. Read more
Innovation Canvas
Business owners may find themselves in limbo during this period of self-isolation. For businesses working on current or future projects, the Digital Innovation Canvas can support with business planning and strategy to help accelerate innovation and new ideas. The Innovation Canvas can help to:
- accelerate the development of new products and services
- make better informed decisions
- create more focused pitches and funding applications
- identify and mitigate risks within current projects
Start your FREE Innovation Canvas. Read more
Finance, funding and grant information
Get funding for ideas that address Covid-19
UKRI is looking to support short-term projects (12-18 months duration) addressing and mitigating the health, social, economic, cultural and environmental impacts of the Covid-19 outbreak. They will fund up to 80% of the full economic cost of the project. Read more
Arts Council England
Arts Council England’s emergency planning covers all its funding streams including those that support individuals, small organisations who receive project funding, Music Education Hubs, Creative People and Places (CPP), and National Portfolio Organisations (NPOs). Read more
National Lottery Heritage Fund
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has put together a £50million fund to support the heritage sector as an immediate response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Read more
Crowdfunder Pay It Forward campaign
In this time of crisis, Crowdfunder is offering 100% free fundraising for your business, along with support from Enterprise Nation. Read more
The British Business Bank
The British Business Bank will be leading a lot of the major loan/grant/investment responses to the crisis that the PM and Chancellor have been announcing. Read more
Business Finance Guide
Free information/advice/tools to find funding. Read more
ICAEW
A hub for ICAEW’s coronavirus crisis advice. Read more
Mercer&Hole
This online resource hub from leading accountancy industry experts, Mercer&Hole, breaks down financial considerations for business leaders during the pandemic. Read more
Immerse UK funding section
Keep up-to-date with funding calls by visiting our funding section
Support and advice for individuals
Creative Industries Federation
Collated advice and signposting support for those working in the creative industries. Read more
Bectu
Advice and information for employees and freelancers working in film and TV and workers in theatre, live events and the arts. Also includes hotline details for further guidance. Read more
ScreenSkills
ScreenSkills have developed a range of resources – from daily cuppa sessions with a mental health first aid trainer, through to online pilates and training. Read more
The List
An international resource for freelance artists. Read more
Blend Market
Live job opportunities and projects for remote workers. Fees to join Blend Market are currently waiving platform fees. Read more
The Dots
A place for freelancers to find job postings. Read more
Managing anxiety, health and wellbeing
Jessica Jones – holistic coaching
Holistic coach, Jessica Jones has opened up some slots for a number of free 60 minute phone calls for those struggling with anxiety in response to uncertainty triggered by the Covid-19 outbreak. Read more
The Indigo Project
A range of resources for managing anxiety. Read more
Anxiety playlists
Calm your anxiety with this soothing playlist. Read more
Apps
These apps can help with mindfulness, relaxation and well being. Click to find out more about:
Headspace | Calm | Breathe | Tiny Bubbles | #SelfCare
Podcasts
Stay connected with immersive tech voices through a range of podcasts. Some of our favourites include:
Voices of VR | Research VR Podcast: The Science and Design of Virtual Reality | Hack Reality – Cris Beasley
VR Apps for relaxation
De-stress with some amazing VR apps. Start relaxing with:
Healium | Nature Treks | Tripp | Tilt Brush | Where Thoughts Go
Social VR
Stay connected and hang out in virtual spaces. Useful Social VR apps include:
Alt Space | Mozilla Hubs | Rec Room | Half + Half
Online education and training
Learning a new skill can help to . Free online courses are resources to
ScreenSkills | OpenLearn | FutureLearn
You can also be kept up to date with online industry events by visiting our events calendar
Special offers from Immerse UK partners
Talking Edge Studios
Leading video content producers, Talking Edge Studios have introduced exclusive discounts on a range of video services, including live streaming, Lightboard and interactive videos. They can help to tailor ideal solutions for connecting with your audiences remotely. Read more
Visair
Live streaming and webcast specialists, Visair are offering an exclusive Immerse UK discounts on its services, including live virtual events, remote IT support for your virtual event and closed door live events. Contact them to find out more about how they can help your business to host professional and reliable events during these challenging times. Download the Visair brochure