Firefighters inspire through Firebreak course

Bedford firefighters inspire young people at Bedford and Luton

Firebreak Bedford March 2011

Teenagers who are under the guidance of the Bedfordshire Youth Offending Service are being introduced to firefighters as positive role models.

A series of special training weeks are staged at Bedford and Luton fire stations in conjunction with the BYOS and Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service (BLFRS). Firefighters who volunteer to take part in the sessions receive special training in working with these young people. In turn the teenagers are put through some tough training over a period of a week which ends in a “passing out” parade and presentation of certificates.

“Not all of the young people complete the course - for some of them the discipline comes as a shock. But if they do complete the course they go away with some self respect and sense of achievement,” explained BLFRS Youth Officer Cassandra Swan who established the project,

Nine out of ten young people completed the most recent course at Bedford Fire Station which ended on Friday March 25th.

Simon Westwood, Assistant Director Vulnerable Children and Children’s Social Care, at Bedford Borough Council, said: “Working closely with role models such as firefighters is valuable learning opportunity for these young people who leave with a greater sense of self-worth and, we hope, improved aspirations for their own futures.”

*A course is now running at Luton Fire Station which will end with a passing out parade on Friday April 1st.

**Special sponsorship for the courses has come from the Beds and Luton Community Foundation www.blcf.org.uk