As part of National Youth Work Week, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is proud to celebrate the work being done across the county to support young people with a range of programmes that build skills, confidence, community-spirit and safer futures.
From Fire Cadets to FireBreak, the Service offers a range of programmes for young people to get involved in as well as visiting hundreds of schools each year to deliver safety lessons to the next generation in Essex.
Rick Hylton, Chief Fire Officer / Chief Executive at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said:
“To everyone involved in this work – our education officers, FireBreak teams, cadet leaders, volunteers and firefighters who give their time and our partners in schools and youth services – thank you. Your commitment makes a real difference.
To the young people who take part, listen, learn and challenge us: thank you. You are the future of this Service and this county, and we are proud to play a part in your journey.
We will always respond when someone needs us. But the work we do before that moment – the support, the guidance and the belief we place in young people – is just as vital to keeping Essex safe.”
Rick started his fire service career as a fire cadet and reflected on his role:
“I joined Fire Cadets at 16, and it shaped who I became. It taught me discipline, teamwork and pride in representing my community. It gave me the confidence to stand in a drill yard and lead. Most importantly, it opened the door to a career that I still feel privileged to serve in today.
“That same opportunity and sense of purpose is being offered to young people across Essex through our Fire Cadets, FireBreak programmes and the thousands we engage with in schools and communities.”
Find out more about some of the ways young people can get involved with the fire service below.
Fire Cadets
ECFRS runs a nationally recognised three-year programme at seven fire stations across Essex for young people aged 13 – 17. There are currently 18 Fire Cadets Units at Clacton, Dovercourt, Great Baddow, Harlow, Orsett, Southend and Halstead.
Find out more here.
FireBreak
FireBreak is an intensive 5-day intervention programme that provides a positive alternative learning environment. The programme is carried out at fire station and combines classroom-based learning with practical activity.
Young people develop skills around team work and relationship building; focusing on reaching their potential and becoming an active and contributing member of their community.
Find out more here.
Education Officers
Six education officers work in collaboration with Essex Police to deliver education programmes to thousands of young people in school and home-based learning settings in Essex each year.
From fire safety to cyber safety, the programmes provide vital early-intervention opportunities, shaping behaviours and building community capacity well beyond traditional fire-prevention.
In the past year alone, the Service has:
- Visited 507 schools
- Delivered 2,360 sessions
- Reached over 197,000 young people through school visits and outreach events
Find out more here.
Essex Fire Museum
The Essex Fire Museum brings the history of firefighting to life, with a unique collection of historic fire engines, equipment, uniforms and photographs. Visitors can explore how firefighting has evolved over the years through changing technology and techniques.
It’s also a vital part of our education programme, giving local schools a hands-on, immersive experience of fire service history.
Our dedicated volunteer team has carried out extensive research into the fire service in Essex, helping preserve and share this proud legacy.
Find out more here.
Fire Safety Intervention
Many children and young people have a fascination with fire but, for some, this fascination can take a dangerous turn and lead to fire-setting. ECFRS has a free Fire Safety Intervention Scheme that aims to deter children from becoming involved with further fire-setting behaviour.
Trained practitioners work in pairs to offer help, guidance and education to young people up to and including 17 years of age; they can visit children in their homes, at school or a designated place of safety. Practitioners can also provide sessions over the phone if required.
Find out more here.
Open Days and community events
The Service also holds a number of open days at fire stations in Essex throughout the year and teams also take part in community events across the county.
These are great opportunities for young people to meet their local firefighters, explore the fire stations and find out how they can play a part in making Essex safer.
Find out more here.
