What Is Firebreak?
Firebreak is a youth engagement project run by Suffolk Fire and
Rescue Service. Each five day course provides students with a
practical based learning environment that combines drill ground and
scenario based training, with some classroom centred
theory/discussion workshops. During the five days, students
take part in activities aimed at improving self esteem, self
discipline and responsibility.
Students will benefit from the following:
Outcomes
- Developing self motivation
- Developing communication skills
- Developing self confidence
- Developing self respect and respect for others
- Developing personal and social responsibility
- Developing an awareness of personal limitations and those of
others
- Attaining standards recognised by receipt of certificates
- Developing self discipline
- Developing pride in personal appearance
Teamwork
- Following instructions
- Discipline
- Listening and understanding
- Co-ordination
Personal Appearance and Bearing
- Wearing uniform
- Smartness in appearance and attitude
- Developing punctuality and adherence to a structured day
- Cleaning and maintenance of personal property
- Listening to and understanding of instructions
These outcomes are achieved by employing fundamental Fire &
Rescue Service principals of leadership, teamwork, motivation and
discipline.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service will run a number of courses each
year and the courses will be run on fire stations at strategic
locations across the county.
Who Can Take Part?
The Firebreak programme is designed for young people aged
13-17; the course is suitable for any student, but we aim to target
the following.
- Those that are in danger of being permanently excluded from
school.
- Those that are known, or who are likely to become known, to the
police, by their involvement in anti social behaviour
- Those that are at risk of committing vehicle related crimes
resulting in death or serious injury
- Those that are at risk through other problems
The Firebreak course is open to all; no individuals will be
excluded due to race, gender, belief or disability. However,
certain individuals may not be able to undertake all
activities. Every effort will be made to ensure that all
students will play an active role wherever possible.
Referrals
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service will take referrals for students
for the Firebreak course from partner agencies and other
departments working with disaffected young people. All referrals
will be looked at on an individual basis with all circumstances
taken into account.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service are willing to accept students for
the Firebreak Course who have behavioural problems and/or criminal
convictions (this will depend on the conviction).
Students will need to be able to:
- Work as part of a team
- Accept and follow instruction
- Be able to concentrate and willing to learn
- Fully attend the course
Referrals can be made directly to Youth Development at Suffolk
Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters; there is a cost implication
associated with the course and funding will need to be secured
before a place can be offered.
A Typical Day
The Firebreak programme incorporates a wide variety of
activities, normally commencing with a parade in uniform provided
by Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service. Other activities
incorporated into each day will include hose drills, health and
safety, first aid, breathing apparatus, search and rescue, ladders,
road traffic collisions. Throughout the programme the
emphasis is on punctuality, bearing and cleanliness of kit,
teamwork, helping colleagues, discipline and responsibility.
Programme Outcomes
At the end of the programme, each student receives a portfolio
of achievement, which contains a personal testimonial, certificates
for attendance and punctuality, fire safety awareness, first aid,
breathing apparatus and teamwork.
A passing out parade at the end of the course provides the team
with an opportunity to demonstrate to proud parents, teachers and
friends the skills and confidence gained, and just how much can be
achieved in a relatively short space of
time.