East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is excited to announce that it's 25th Local Intervention Fire Education (LIFE) course will commence on Monday 2nd March at Bexhill community fire station!

The LIFE project was introduced into East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service in 2005 to reduce antisocial behaviour and improve community safety across the county.

The course is designed specifically to challenge young people aged 13-19 who may benefit from spending time with the Service in a uniformed and disciplined environment and encourages participants to work towards better outcomes for themselves; to be healthy, stay safe, enjoy, achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well being.

Running over 5 consecutive days, the LIFE courses incorporate intense training from East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service firefighters.

The participants are nominated by various groups such as youth workers, crime reduction partnerships and housing associations and are then selected by LIFE personnel at an induction day based on participation and potential.

Through simulation of fire and rescue activities such as hose, ladder and breathing apparatus drills, LIFE encourages young people to adopt a new set of values, address the consequences of fire setting behaviour, work cooperatively with others and gain self-confidence to consequently achieve self-empowerment.

Victoria Thomas, Youth Interventions Manager, East Sussex Fire & Rescue, said:

"The LIFE project started at Tyne and Wear Fire & Rescue Service and has been rolled out nationally due to its success in engaging with young people. The course raises self esteem, motivation, value and belief not only for the participants but also for all those involved. The LIFE project has produced many local and national success stories and is seen by many young people as a gate way of opportunity."

Next week's LIFE course will be based at Bexhill community fire station but will also include a visit to Bohemia Road community fire station in Hastings on Thursday 5th March.

The week will conclude with a pass out parade at Bexhill, which the participants' friends and family are invited to attend.

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is inviting past attendees to discuss how LIFE has turned their lives around.

The Silver Anniversary celebrations will mark a fantastic achievement for everyone who has contributed to making the LIFE courses a true success - from the LIFE participants and instructors to the local organisations and communities who have supported the initiative since 2005.