New Fire Cadets branch supports youth development and safety awareness in Gateshead

by Featured NewsTraining

Fire Cadets branch opens in Gateshead

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) has launched a new Fire Cadets branch at Gateshead Community Fire Station, where the first cohort of young people has joined the programme.

TWFRS said the new branch delivers a Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2024-2027 action to increase the number of Fire Cadet branches from four to five, with one in each local authority area.

The programme supports young people aged 11-17 by helping them build life skills, confidence and awareness of fire safety, road safety and water safety.

Opening night included drill yard demonstrations, classroom activities and chances for guests to meet cadets and instructors.

What the programme includes

The Fire Cadets programme offers personal development and teamwork, alongside opportunities to build self discipline and leadership, with a route into volunteering and possible future careers in the fire and rescue sector.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Stewart Nicholson said: “Launching the new Fire Cadets branch is a key step in our commitment to early youth engagement and community safety.

“The programme gives young people the chance to grow in confidence, develop life skills and experience the teamwork that sits at the heart of our Service.

“By supporting young people at this stage, we can help create safer communities and encourage the next generation to understand the vital role of the Fire and Rescue Service.”

Councillor Gary Haley, Vice Chair of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority, added: “It’s a pleasure to welcome the new cohort of cadets as they begin their journey with the Service.

“Fire Cadets provides young people with valuable skills, positive opportunities, and a sense of achievement, while also supporting community safety across Tyne and Wear.

“Seeing this new branch open in Gateshead reinforces the importance of engaging with young people early and helping them build strong foundations for the future.”

Wider youth engagement work

TWFRS said the Fire Cadets programme forms part of its wider youth engagement work, which also includes schools education programmes and the SafetyWorks! interactive learning centre.

What UK Fire Cadets taught StayWise about youth engagement

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

Fire Cadets help shape expansion of NFCC’s StayWise

Fire Cadets from across the UK have contributed to the next phase of StayWise, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) digital fire safety education platform.

According to StayWise, the collaboration took place during a residential event in Wiltshire organised by the NFCC Prevention Hub.

Cadets and instructors from Merseyside, Leicestershire, Cheshire, Hampshire and Isle of Wight, Devon and Somerset, South Wales and Northamptonshire attended.

The event formed part of NFCC’s ongoing effort to expand access to fire safety education and develop leadership opportunities for young people aged 13 to 18.

Cadets contribute to design of new StayWise section

Over the weekend, participants helped design the new UK Fire Cadet section of the StayWise website.

This section will include resources to develop operational skills and materials identified by cadets as important to their personal growth.

Content areas include fire safety, first aid, road safety and water safety education, alongside career development guidance and support for rank progression.

Instructors will also gain access to a dedicated library of safeguarding and leadership resources.

StayWise said workshops led by its team enabled cadets to map out the structure, content and user experience of the new online area.

Between sessions, cadets took part in outdoor and team-building activities at PGL Liddington.

Funding supports StayWise and Fire Cadets programme

The event was supported by a £500,000 government grant awarded to NFCC by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

The funding is intended to expand the reach of the UK Fire Cadets programme and improve access to fire safety education through digital channels.

According to NFCC, the grant will help create new opportunities for young people across the country while strengthening the Fire Cadet Voice Forum’s role in shaping programme content.

Insights from the Wiltshire event will directly inform the design and content of the StayWise Fire Cadets area.

This ensures that materials reflect the priorities of cadets and instructors nationwide.

NFCC highlights cadets’ engagement and creativity

Sarah Mason, NFCC Head of Prevention, said: “It was fantastic to see our Fire Cadets so engaged in helping to shape their part of our StayWise website.

“It also allows us to make our work more meaningful and accessible.

“By listening to their views, we’re making sure our services and products reflect what our users truly need.

“The whole group was incredibly supportive, creative and professional – they are a real credit to their units and their fire and rescue services.”

Digital platform aims to strengthen youth fire safety education

The enhanced StayWise platform will provide interactive educational materials for use by Fire Cadets, instructors and schools.

StayWise said it encourages parents, teachers and those with caring responsibilities for young people to register and support the initiative.

The platform continues to promote the message: “StayWise to Save Lives.”

Developing leadership and prevention skills through StayWise

The development of the new Fire Cadet section within StayWise highlights NFCC’s focus on youth engagement and prevention.

By giving cadets a direct role in shaping digital educational tools, the NFCC supports early leadership development and increases awareness of fire, road and water safety among young people.

For instructors and fire and rescue services, the new materials will provide a consistent framework for training, safeguarding and community outreach.

The inclusion of career development resources could also help attract future recruits to the fire and rescue sector.

National Fire Cadet Games take place in Wales

by EventsFeatured News

UK-wide cadet teams attend training event in Cardiff

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) recently held the 2025 National Fire Cadet Games took place in Cardiff, bringing together 31 youth cadet teams from across the United Kingdom.

The event, hosted in partnership with Cardiff Metropolitan University, was held in Wales for the first time.

Participants aged 13 to 18 took part in a series of practical scenarios testing communication, physical ability, and technical firefighting knowledge.

According to SWFRS, the activities included water rescue, trauma response, a fire safety awareness session, and a virtual reality search and rescue operation.

Additional modules featured prevention exercises, team-based challenges, and live response tasks designed to simulate real-world incidents.

Youth training, skills, and safety highlighted

Fire Cadets are young people who volunteer with their local fire and rescue services to gain training in firefighting, first aid, and community safety awareness.

According to SWFRS, cadets are viewed as future leaders and are supported in building teamwork and public service skills through events such as the National Fire Cadet Games.

Chief Fire Officer Fin Monahan opened the three-day event and said: “These Games are about more than competition.

“They’re a celebration of the dedication, leadership, and passion these young people bring to their communities.

“Every cadet here represents the future of our service – and that future looks incredibly bright.”

Amy Jenkins, National Fire Cadet Games Co-ordinator, said:

“The success of the National Games reflects the teams’ commitment to delivering this important event, alongside the fire cadets from across the UK whose presence and passion made this weekend’s Fire Cadets National Games a great success.”

Winners and participants announced

The 2025 National Fire Cadet Games concluded with Bedfordshire Team 2 named as the overall winners.

SWFRS confirmed that the Abergavenny cadets, representing the host service, placed second in the competition.

The activities ran throughout the weekend, with results announced on the final day.

Participants were assessed on scenario performance, decision-making under pressure, and ability to operate within structured teams.

Games officials reported that the event also encouraged social connections between cadets from different UK regions.

Testimonials from cadets and visitors

Cumbrian cadet Olivia Paice, aged 17, shared her experience of the event. Paice said: “I’ve been a fire cadet for about five years now and I love it.

“We’ve all had a great weekend – we’ve met so many amazing people.

“I’ve really enjoyed the different challenges, but particularly the trauma segment.

“It’s very realistic, and you must adapt to the quickly changing scenario.”

The event also welcomed external guests, including the Mayor of Newport.

Councillor Kate Thomas said:

“It’s tremendously inspiring to see so much interest in the fire service from so many young people.
“It’s also been an incredible feat of organisation and co-ordination that is extremely impressive.”

Host service response and future outlook

SWFRS Commissioner Lady Wilcox commented on the Games and said “I’m proud that South Wales Fire and Rescue Service had the honour of hosting this year’s National Fire Cadet Games.

“It was a fantastic opportunity for our cadets to demonstrate the knowledge, teamwork, and confidence they have gained through their local Fire Cadet programmes.”

SWFRS confirmed that Cardiff Metropolitan University provided facilities for the weekend-long event.

The service thanked its staff, organisers, and supporting organisations for contributing to the delivery of the Games.

According to SWFRS, cadet initiatives remain part of long-term engagement strategies to involve young people in public safety and prevention work.

National Fire Cadet Games take place in Wales: Summary

The 2025 National Fire Cadet Games were hosted in Wales for the first time.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) held the event in partnership with Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Thirty-one cadet teams from across the UK participated in the three-day programme.

The event included activities such as water rescues, trauma response, VR simulations, and safety education.

Chief Fire Officer Fin Monahan opened the event and praised the participants’ commitment.

Bedfordshire Team 2 were announced as the overall winners of the Games.

SWFRS Abergavenny cadets secured second place in the final rankings.

Cadets volunteered their time to train in firefighting, first aid, and public safety roles.

The event also aimed to build cross-regional relationships between young people in the fire sector.

Cardiff Metropolitan University hosted the event on its facilities.

The service plans to continue supporting cadet development and public safety engagement.