West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has welcomed 12 new recruits to its Fire Cadet programme at Bognor Regis Fire Station.
Now in its second year, the scheme supports young people aged 13 to 16, with weekly sessions led by the service’s education team.
Cadets take part in firefighting drills, team-building exercises and community projects.
Fire Cadets offers a unique opportunity for young people to be part of a uniformed service, gain new experiences and develop valuable life skills in a supportive and structured environment.
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Targeted Education Team Leader, Kate Taylor, said: “We are delighted to be running our Fire Cadet programme for a second year.
“A key strength of the programme is the sense of belonging it creates. Cadets work closely as a team, supporting one another, celebrating achievements and building strong, positive relationships with peers and staff.
“The success of the first year at Bognor Regis has already demonstrated the impact the Fire Cadet Programme can have, with participants showing increased confidence, improved teamwork and a greater sense of responsibility.”
Councillor Duncan Crow, Cabinet Member for Community Support and Fire & Rescue, said: “The Fire Cadet Programme is an incredibly rewarding experience for young people. It gives them the chance to try something new, challenge themselves and be part of something bigger, which contributes to building stronger, safer communities across West Sussex.”
The new cohort is thanks partly to funding from the Department for Media, Culture and Sport (DCMS), part of a wider £500,000 grant to increase the number of UK Fire Cadets nationally.
The continuation of the programme has also been made possible by external funding from Bognor Rotary, Bognor Regis Town Council, Arun Community Safety Partnership, The Worshipful Company of Firefighters Charitable Trust, and an individual donor.
People can find out more about the Fire Cadet programme.
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