Students graduate fire service skills course in Haywards Heath

Their achievement culminated in an award ceremony where they performed fire service hose and ladder drills and demonstrated the new skills they’d learned to their proud family and friends.

FireBreak is an innovative youth programme run by West Sussex firefighters in partnership with County Council colleagues from Targeted Youth Support.

It is aimed primarily at people between 12 and 14 and actively encourages students to become role models among their peers and in their communities.

Students attend a fire station over five consecutive days, working alongside firefighters on a programme of events that combine classroom-based activities and practical training to promote teamwork, social awareness, self-discipline and to help reduce negative influences.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service youth instructor Tony Hills said: “We’re all delighted with how well the students have performed this week.

“Working side by side with them over five consecutive days has allowed us to build real momentum in developing the discipline, teamwork and communication skills they’ve needed to overcome the challenges they’ve been presented with.

“This has been a challenging course for them all and it’s been fantastic to see their confidence and self-belief grow. Amongst their achievements this week was gaining a HeartStart qualification, basic lifesaving skills which they can take forward with them.”

Certificates were presented by Chief Fire Officer for West Sussex, Sean Ruth.

Sean added: “A FireBreak graduation is always an inspirational event to be part of.

“We believe that making a positive difference to the lives of young people has huge benefits, not just for the young people themselves, but for their families, their schools and the communities they live in.”

The students were from Oathall Community College, Oakmeeds Community College, Downlands Community School, Warden Park Academy and West Sussex Alternative Provision College.

To learn more about FireBreak visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire