YOUNGSTERS aged 13-14 from
Hartlepool were invited to find out more about
becoming Young Firefighters at an open evening last night.
Cleveland Fire Brigade,
organisers of the Young Firefighters Association (YFA), hosted the event
between 6.00pm-8.00pm on Thursday 29 April at Stranton Fire Station in Hartlepool.
Young Firefighters attend
weekly sessions at fire stations and engage in a host of team building,
training and leadership activities. Demand for places is high with only a
select few being admitted aged 13-14 each year. From there young people can
remain with the YFA until the age of 17.
Kelly Reed, Youth
Development Co-ordinator for Cleveland Fire Brigade, who runs
the YFA, said:
“The YFA offers a great
chance for young people to do something different with their spare time and
learn about responsibility, safety and trust. They also have great fun and pick
up useful tools and tips for life along the way."
Boys and girls aged 13-14
can apply and must live in the Hartlepool
area. They can apply for consideration by contacting the YFA
through the Brigade website www.clevelandfire.gov.uk
YFA member Sophie Lavender,
15, from Hartlepool, said: “I love attending
the YFA, and have made many friends over the past couple of years. It’s fun as
there is always something new to learn.
“It has also been great
for my learning and development, improved my key skills such as communication,
problem solving, team work and confidence, and life skills such as first aid.”
