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.