Our Team
Our team specialises in targeted interventions for young people who are most likely to use or instigate the use of a blue light service at some point in their lives. It includes experienced youth trainers and firefighters who are experts in the delivery of interactive youth interventions. We are keen to act as positive role models because we are passionate about young people's experiences.
Our target audience is any young person in West Yorkshire who may experience inequality in their education, housing, health and wellbeing. Barriers including poverty, having a troubled home life, mental health issues, being involved in antisocial behaviour (ASB) and possibly having a conviction or struggling with drug/alcohol issues, are all areas we wish to work with other partner agencies to break down.
Working preventatively with vulnerable young people can help to reduce their dependency on blue light services throughout their lives. Low economic well-being and deprivation is a key indicators of higher demand for the response services provided by WYFRS. Through offering additional opportunities for young people to develop their character, resilience, and determination, we will be a service to inspire behaviour change. We are not only raising their current safety awareness but developing their social responsibility and skills for their future.
Interventions
All of our educational interventions are free of charge but are intended for, youth groups, youth services, youth justice teams, Prince’s Trust programs, and any other agencies working with identified vulnerable young people.
- Ages 16 to 25
- 3 days, 5 hours per day
- Up to 10 £1,170
- Up to 15 £1,549
- Course participants – min 6 and max 15 young people
Target group:
For agencies which support and engage groups of young people aged 16 to 25, with the aim of progressing their personal development and specifically improving their resilience.
What is Crash and Burn?
It is a three-day practical course which helps build a young person’s ability to handle their emotions in a pressurised situation. The course is aimed at groups developing their skills for employment or further education and takes place for two of the days at their usual place of study. The middle day of the course takes place at a local fire station, when the group are given the skills to take part in a scenario such as “House Fir Persons Reported” – It’s a matter of life or death! To finish the course, the group reflect on their own and the group’s resilience during the course and look at the application of this learning for their future.
Why are we doing this course?
This course meets our expectation to be a catalyst for change. It is fast paced and gives young people the tools to face the challenges life brings us all, head on! Young people are supported to develop better coping mechanisms in order to take control when life gets tough and focus on the future. They are more likely to gain education, employment or training opportunities and be less reliant on our service in the future, if they understand how they can be more resilient.
Outcomes:
After experiencing the pressures firefighters face on a daily basis, young people will have the confidence to face unknown environments and take on a challenge. They will build their ability to work as part of a team and understand the need for resilience.
Princes Trust Programmes
Work with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service on the Princes Trust Programmes!
Funding and partners
WYFRS has a statutory duty to protect the local community. However, our programmes go above and beyond by providing more than a simple safety message. All courses are run on a strictly not-for-profit basis and 100% of the income is invested directly into the provision of the courses. We actively seek and secure funding opportunities and can support partners in applying for funding to deliver our programmes. This funding enables us to provide partners and young people the opportunity to engage with our provision without funding being a barrier
Testimonials
“The sessions gave young people, who often only receive negative feedback, an opportunity to participate in something really exciting and shine. This particularly showed their leadership and determination which I’ve not seen before! All staff have been made aware of this and so have the opportunity to celebrate success with them.”
- Trinity Academy Halifax
“Our students all really enjoyed getting out into the local community, meeting the firefighters and WYFRS team to learn about the role of a firefighter and fire safety. The students showed increased confidence over the course of the programme. Having opportunities to try new things and follow instructions was beneficial for our students with complex needs. They particularly enjoyed the practical aspects of the session, especially getting to use the hose!”
- Fairfield School
“This has been an incredible experience and has literally saved my life and made me a new and better person.”
- Young person following the Team programme
“Our students massively benefited from the intervention. They were given insight into the roles and careers available with the fire service. They have gained good understanding of healthy lifestyles, through physical fitness and a balanced diet.”
- Minsthorpe Community College
“The bespoke sessions were highly engaging and challenged attitudes to risk taking behaviour. These sessions supported young people to make good choices and enabled them to participate, engage and learn about West Yorkshire Fire Service.”
- Leeds Youth Service