Young Fire Fighters

Young Fire Fighters (YFF) has been running since 1999, providing an opportunity for young people, aged 13 to 18 years, to meet one evening each week and follow a structured curriculum of core Fire and Rescue activities, delivered by a long established group of instructors.

Instructors for the YFF come from a range of backgrounds that include Fire Fighters, Operations Support, Support Staff and individuals external to SFR. SFR currently has four YFF units based in Kilmarnock, Dumbarton, Campbelltown and Gigha. Each of these Units has about twenty members.

What You Will Learn

Over the course of the programme, young people receive training in basic drills, similar to the drills a trainee Fire Fighter would receive.  This allows young people to undertake regular physical activity and contributes to their overall health and fitness.  By taking part in regular drills, young people also build core skills such as communication and team work which will benefit them in their daily lives and also fits in with national educational strategies such as 'A Curriculum for Excellence'.

Moreover, the young people are given the opportunity to take part in adventure training. In the past the YFF have been involved in activities such as hill walking, wind surfing and climbing. This allows the young people to build on core skills as well as increasing confidence and resilience in facing new challenges.

The Young Fire Fighters programme also teaches basic first aid training to its members. This allows young people to gain new skills and first hand experience of careers that they may wish to follow, as a fire fighter or a paramedic for example. Young Fire Fighters are also given invaluable education in community safety and participate in courses such as 'Cut-it-out', SFR's road safety education programme.

An Active Role in the Community

In addition to delivery of core Fire and Rescue Service related skills and general enhanced community safety awareness, the Young Fire Fighters play an active role within their local community.

This includes involvement in assisting with public charitable collections in partnership with Local Traders Association, Anthony Nolan Trust, performing demonstrations of skills learned at open days and events, participation in remembrance parades, active participation in national car washes and carrying out marshalling duties at bonfire events.

Furthermore, the Young Fire Fighters are encouraged to become active citizens in their local communities by donating time to local organisations such as hospices and children's homes. In the past, Young Fire Fighters have been utilised as positive role models for young people in residential care.

Positive Effects of the Programme

Participation at these events and demonstrations has delivered many benefits to the local community. Young people are now regarded as responsible, and charitable donations for local causes have increased.

Residents of the local areas have developed a real sense of pride about the achievements of the Young Fire Fighters, and other young people now look to the Young Fire Fighters as role models.