Firewise Education

If you are worried about a young person who has set a fire or who shows an unhealthy interest in fire, the FireWise Education programme can help.

Most children show a natural interest about fire, but there are signs you can look out for that may highlight firesetting behaviour:

• Burnt matches or burnt pieces of paper lying around
• Scorch marks on the carpets or soft furnishings in their bedroom

• Don’t frighten or punish your child for being curious
• Talk to your child, from an early age, about the dangers of matches and lighters and explain that they are for grown-ups only
• Explain what might happen if they start a fire
• Lock matches or lighters away, or put them out of reach

We can work with young people up to the age of 18. There is no lower age limit, we have worked with children from the age of 3! We deliver the programme at an age appropriate level tailored to the individuals needs.

We are trained to work with children with SEN and have experience with children with ADHD and Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

We can accept referrals from:

• Parents
• Carers
• Teachers
• Social workers
• Youth offending teams
• The police
• Firefighters

We will consider a referral from any source.

After a child has been referred we will arrange a home visit where written consent will be gained and a Safe and Well visit will be offered.

Further sessions can take place either at home or in school with children seen an average of 3 times by our team.

We do not use shock tactics, we use a therapeutic approach which is proven to be more effective at changing behaviour.

This is achieved by showing film clips, photographs and getting the child to participate in games, songs and craft activities appropriate to their age.

Please use the referral form or call 02380 644000 during office hours.

If you need to leave a voicemail a member of the team will get back to you asap.