Young people tackle the FireBreak challenge

As part of an award ceremony yesterday (March 18), they performed fire service hose and ladder drills and demonstrated the new skills they’d learned to an invited audience of their families and teachers.

FireBreak is an innovative youth programme run by West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service together with colleagues from county council youth services. It is aimed at young people between 12 and 14 and encourages students to become positive role models among their peers and within their communities.

Students attend a fire station for five consecutive days, working alongside firefighters on a structured programme of events that combine classroom-based activities and practical training to promote teamwork, social awareness, and self-discipline, as well as helping to reduce negative influences.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service lead Instructor Tony Hills, said: “We expect and demand quite a lot from the students that come on a FireBreak course and this group have certainly lived up to those expectations. The Fire Service runs on a culture of teamwork, discipline and mutual respect and those are values that we weave into our courses.

“Working side by side with these young people all week has meant we’ve been able to build a great rapport with them and we hope that they will use this course as a springboard for success in all areas of their lives.”

Certificates were presented by Area Manager for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Neil Stocker, who added: “A FireBreak graduation is always an inspirational event to be part of.

“We believe that making a positive difference to the lives of young people has huge benefits, not just for the young people themselves, but for their families, their schools and the communities they live in.”

The students were from: Downlands Community School; Warden Park Academy; Oathall Community College; and Oakmeeds Community College.

For more information about the FireBreak course, visit: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire-emergencies-and-crime/west-sussex-fire-rescue-service/fire-safety-advice-for-young-people/fire-rescue-service-youth-team/

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