1. Introduction.
East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is aiming to reduce the effects of antisocial behaviour
on our community. We are leading the way through the introduction of the LIFE (local intervention
fire education) project.
The LIFE project is delivered by ESFRS staff, operating from within their own community fire station area
to address the problems of young people who deliberately set fires, and therefore any associated antisocial
behaviour.
The programme is targeted particularly at young people, aged between 14 and 19, who have offended, are at risk of offending,
or those that may have been the victims of crime. One of its aims is to prevent young people from becoming persistent
young offenders by providing an intensive five-day work experience within a tightly structured and focused team environment.
Each individual student is given personal responsibility for the management and maintenance of the fire engine, firefighting
equipment, the fire station and their own personal protective equipment.
The course is specially designed to change the attitude and behaviour of the young people by getting them to :-
- adopt a new set of values.
- address the consequences of the antisocial (firesetting) behaviour.
- work co-operatively with others.
- see the advantage of improving their learning and performance.
- gain self-esteem and self confidence and to communicate better and consequently achieve self empowerment.
Each young person has their progress monitored and receive mentoring from an experienced Fire & Rescue Service trainer.
This allows for the formulation for forward strategies to meet the needs of the young person and improve their life chances. The ratio of
firefighter to student (1:2) means that a strong bond of trust is established, and this invariably means that any advice
given is listened to and acted upon.
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2. LIFE - What it is all about?
2.1 Background.
The LIFE programme started in Tower Hamlets, London, primarily as a way of improving community relations and reducing antisocial
behaviour directed at firefighters carrying out operational duties.
The LIFE programme actively works to install a sense of social responsibility. It demonstrates the real need for self-discipline,
provides a sense of personal opportunity and encourages feelings of self worth. It creates a real understanding that the choices
people make will shape their own destiny.
2.2 Why LIFE works.
Statistics show that almost half of all crime is committed by young people between the ages of 13 - 21. It was felt that the Fire
& Rescue Service has a lot to offer in terms of its standing within the community, as it is a highly regarded, well structured
organisation with self-disciplined staff who can serve as role-models to disengaged young people.
In addition to reducing antisocial behaviour, the programme also increases awareness of what the Fire
& Rescue Service does. The LIFE project allows young people to experience what it is like to be an operational
firefighter. This includes the frustration of attending hoax calls and being victims of antisocial behaviour themselves.
2.3 Benefits to the Fire & Rescue Service.
The LIFE programme provides an ideal opportunity for staff to develop their skills and has proved an excellent motivator for those participating in it. The programme has also brought staff into close contact with young people from a wide variety of cultures, helping provide different perspectives and an improved understanding of local people and the communities they serve.
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3. The Future.
Two pilot courses have been successfully completed at Bexhill Community Fire Station during June 2005 (selection of images from this event). Since then a number of LIFE sessions have been held across East Sussex, during July 2006 Hove Fire Station hosted a session and during October the programme will return to Bexhill. ESFRS aim to seek further funding to support courses in the years to come.
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4. LIFE - The Trainers.
Trainers come from all levels within the Service and have been
carefully selected. Our trainers have qualities and backgrounds
as diverse as the young people participating in the programme.
The LIFE project employs people with potential, as well as those
with relevant experiences and qualifications.
Our trainers have the following core values :-
- Integrity.
Someone who will put our values into practice at work.
- Openness and honesty.
Someone who will talk honestly but sensitively, even when the news is bad.
- Value diversity.
Someone who wants a workforce that reflects the different communities we serve.
- Mutual trust and respect.
Someone who listens to and respects others, because they recognize
that everyone has something to contribute.
- Responsibility and accountability.
Someone who takes pride in their work, who demonstrates they are rewarded by doing things to the right standard. Someone who works to the best of their ability.
- Motivation and commitment.
Someone who is highly motivated and committed to working with young people.
For more information contact Station Officer Mani Gilbert or Sub Officer George Wippich via our General Enquiries Email enquiries@esfrs.org.
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