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...partnerships and community working
Arson is the largest single cause of fire in the UK and one of the Corporate Aims for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) to Make Hampshire Safer is to reduce the number of fires started deliberately by 20% in 2010.
Working in partnership with the police, local authorities and other agencies, HFRS is involved in schemes that focus on diverting young people from fire setting and anti-social behaviour.
As part of our Youth Engagement programmes, the LIFE project aims to reduce deliberate fire setting by encouraging teenagers to develop responsible attitudes to fire, and to take fire safety messages back to their homes and to their friends.
It’s also an exciting opportunity for them to respond to an environment of discipline and teamwork, where they rely on mutual co-operation to succeed, and to learn about the Fire and Rescue Service.
This scheme has been active in Hampshire since January 2005 with a total of 11 courses completed to date where we have engaged with over 140 young people. Up to 17 courses are planned for 2007/08.
Through the LIFE Project, HFRS deliver a five day course for young people aged between 13 and 18.
All of the young people who attend the course have been referred to us due to them either being involved in or thought to be on the brink of firesetting, crime or anti social behaviour.
The courses are run at fire stations around the county by firefighters who are fully trained in delivering these specific courses. These firefighters will be able to impart their knowledge and skills to the students and be a positive role model for them.
The course content includes many fire service activities including, hose running, ladder climbing, wearing breathing apparatus and basic first aid.
The course is designed to change the attitude and behaviour of the young people by getting them to:
At the end of each course, the students invite their families/carers into the fire station to watch them perform in their very own pass out parade. This involves the students demonstrating the skills that they have learnt during the week which is an impressive sight not to be missed.
After this demonstration, the students are presented with a portfolio which contains certificates and photographs of their achievements from the course.
Each student that completes the course will also take away valuable memories of their achievements from the course. They are able to improve on their citizenship skills and gain a sense of self worth.
The benefit to the local community has been seen from the courses that we have already run. We have seen a reduction in deliberate firesetting and anti social behaviour in these areas.
The LIFE project is a very good example of partnership working as HFRS work alongside several youth agencies as well as Hampshire Constabulary.
Many of the students who complete a LIFE course are keen to do it all again, but unfortunately for them this is a once in a lifetime experience. Some of the comments that they have made include:
“Excellent. I have learnt how to work in a team”
“I made new friends and learnt about teamwork and leadership”
“A lifetime experience”
“A great chance to learn new skills”
LIFE Courses in 2008/09
The following LIFE courses are being run during 2008/09. On the last day of every course a pass out parade is held to which members of the public and press are welcome to attend. The parades commence at 1 pm.
Date Venue 28 April - 2 May Hardley 12 - 16 May Southsea 2 - 6 June Southsea 23 - 27 June Basingstoke 7 - 11 July Southsea 1 - 5 September Hardley 15 - 19 September Waterlooville 29 September - 3 October Eastleigh 13 - 17 October Rushmoor 27 - 31 October Eastleigh 10 - 14 November Fareham/Portchester 24 - 28 November Gosport 8 - 12 December Southampton 19 - 23 January 2009 Eastleigh 16 - 20 February 2009 Rushmoor 9 - 13 March 2009 Southampton
