6th June 2008

Uckfield students celebrate success of completing 5 day LIFE course!

On 6th June 2008, eight students who have completed a 5-day Local Intervention Fire Education (LIFE) course at Uckfield fire station will celebrate their success with a Pass Out Parade being held at the station.

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 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 individuals behaviour 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.

The students who have completed the course at Uckfield fire station will demonstrate the wide variety of skills that they have learnt during the week in front of their parents, guardians, friends and carers as well as the Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) of East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, Chris Large. Students are then presented with a certificate and a portfolio by their course instructors and DCFO Chris Large.

The LIFE project relies almost entirely on external funding and works in partnership with local businesses, schools, colleges and authorities to encourage support for young people across the county of East Sussex & the City of Brighton & Hove.