Friday 31 July
08.00
hrs
A group of young people from The Prince’s Trust have been
working alongside Avon Fire & Rescue Service to find out more
about life as a firefighter and learn about the dangers of
arson.
They visited AF&RS’s Youth Development Centre (YDC), which
is based at Bedminster Fire Station. During the day they learned
about the dangers of fire and the impact of arson on the local
community.
They also took part in a drill session where they dressed in
fire kit, rolled out hoses and explored ways to work together as a
team.
Elliot Davies, a firefighter who is part of the team at the YDC,
said: “Our partnership work with The Prince’s Trust provides us
with an ideal opportunity to engage with young people and talk to
them about fire safety. It also helps us build relationships with
young people so that they can appreciate the impact of their
actions on the local community and they get to see what
firefighters face when they are called to deliberately set
fires.
“Arson not only destroys property, it is a huge drain on the
resources of the fire and rescue service. We are hoping these young
people will take this on board in the future and pass on the
message to their peers,” he said.
Having worked with The Prince’s Trust for a number of years,
Avon Fire & Rescue Service hosted its first presentation
ceremony at Temple Fire Station, Bristol on Thursday 30 July. They
met Chief Fire Officer / Chief Executive Kevin Pearson, who
presented them with their final certificates in recognition of
their completion of the course.
CFO / CE Pearson said: “I was delighted to be invited to be part
of The Prince’s Trust presentation. We have a long standing
relationship with the charity and it’s fantastic to be able to
provide young people with a chance to shape their own future.”
The Prince’s Trust Programme Co-ordinator, Edd Richardson, said:
“I have seen a huge change in this group of young people since they
started the 12 week course. They have really pulled together during
tough times and been on a fantastic journey, with help from Avon
Fire & Rescue Service. The day we spent at the Youth
Development Centre gave the young people the chance to work with
firefighters, see the impact that deliberately set fires have on
the community and get a real insight into life in the fire and
rescue service. One of the team has even said he would like to join
the fire service in the future.”
As part of the 12 week course the young people also worked on a
community project to clear wasteland littered with rubbish and
hypodermic syringes in Knowle West and spent time with elderly
people in a care home in Bristol to try and change the often
negative view of youths.
ends