Youngsters benefitting from intensive Firebreak scheme

Children in Peterborough are learning vital life skills and gaining unique opportunities as part of an intensive scheme.

Firebreak is a 5-day programme run by Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service and supported by Peterborough City Council, offering a positive alternative learning environment for children in youth justice and young people, particularly those who may not be in education, training or employment.

The scheme is open to children aged 12 to 16, with officers from the council’s diversion team organising referrals. Participants are then put through their paces at an operational fire station, with the course combining classroom-based learning and practical activity.

Firebreak offers a unique opportunity for children to engage and work with operational firefighters who support participants and help them to build positive and trusting relationships.

Participants develop teamwork, self-confidence, and essential skills such as CPR, road safety and basic life support. They also learn how to identify and build on their strengths, improving their levels of self-confidence.

The course culminates with a pass out parade where participants demonstrate their practical achievements and are awarded their certification in front of invited guests and dignitaries.

Councillor Katy Cole, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “I am delighted that this wonderful scheme is helping individuals who may be struggling to benefit from opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life.

“We are fully committed to helping every child and young person in Peterborough to fulfil their potential and this scheme is playing a key role. I would like to thank everyone involved and look

Station Commander Paul Clarke, Community Risk Manager said: "We are pleased to be working in partnership with Peterborough City Council to bring the Firebreak programme to young people in Peterborough. Without the financial support of partners such as Peterborough City Council we would be unable to deliver this programme.

The programme has been successfully delivered across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough for several years, helping young people build confidence, develop key life skills, consider the consequences of decision making and explore future opportunities.

We understand young people are impacted by many challenges such as drug crime, knife crime and county lines and therefore the consequences of these are covered during the programme. 

For many participants, this hands-on learning experience outside the classroom is a valuable chance to realise their full potential. 

At the end of the course, students achieve an AQA Unit Award Scheme certificate in; CPR and Basic Life Support, Basic Firefighting Skills and Active Citizenship.

It's a scheme we are very proud of and to see the young people grow throughout the week is always inspirational."

To find out more about the Firebreak initiative visit the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue website and to watch the below video featuring interviews with participants and firefighters on the scheme.

Referrals to this course can only be made by people working with children and young people, such as the police or a school or agency working with young people and families. To find out more about costs and the Firebreak course, contact firebreakinfo@cambsfire.gov.uk or call 0800 917 9994.