14 April 2008

LIFE project receives sponsorship from Waitrose Supermarket

A group of young people who completed a five-day LIFE (Local Intervention Fire Education) course demonstrated the skills they learnt during a Pass Out parade at Hove Fire Station on 11th April 2008. The Pass Out parade also included the presentation of a £360 cheque for the LIFE project from Waitrose supermarket in Lewes.

The LIFE course was introduced into East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service in 2005 and is designed specifically to challenge young people aged 13-19 who may benefit from a week with East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service in a uniformed and disciplined environment.

The LIFE project relies almost entirely on external funding and works in partnership with local businesses, schools, colleges and authorities to encourage support.

The course involves intense training from firefighters and incorporates ladder climbing and hose reeling exercises as well as specialist breathing apparatus training. Students also take part in team building activities, learn basic first aid and examine the consequences of their actions including the negative or positive effects that this can have on the community. The course helps the young people build self-confidence and increase self-value through working closely with their local firefighters.

All students who had successfully completed the LIFE course at Hove Fire Station took part in the Pass Out Parade where they demonstrated the wide range of skills that they had learnt during the week in front of their parents, carers and representatives from East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.

Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive Des Prichard then presented the students with a portfolio of their achievements and praised them for their accomplishments and their determination.

For more information contact LIFE Project Manager Vicky Thomas 07789 170835 or LIFE project co-ordinator Garry Alexander on 07834 654329.