In a significant development for community engagement and youth development, the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) has been granted financial support by the Charitable Trust of the Worshipful Company of Firefighters. This funding is set to bolster the ESFRS Fire Cadet units, a program dedicated to fostering responsible citizenship and community service among young people.
David Kemp, Head of Prevention at ESFRS, expressed the organization’s delight over the grant. “This support will enable us to reach out to young people who are often on the fringes of youth groups, helping them to gain confidence, thrive within our units, and actively participate in their communities,” Kemp stated. He also extended a heartfelt thank you to the Cadet leaders and volunteers, whose contributions are invaluable to the success of the Fire Cadets.
The ESFRS Fire Cadet program, with units in Eastbourne, Uckfield, Hastings, and Bexhill, offers young individuals aged 13-17 an opportunity to learn essential skills. These include fire safety, emergency response, basic first aid, firefighting skills, and life skills aimed at building positive citizenship and community involvement.
The recent financial injection from the Trust is a significant boost for the program, which seeks further support from local businesses and individuals. This call for sponsorship represents an excellent opportunity for local stakeholders to invest in the future of young people, fostering a safer, more inclusive community.
For those interested in supporting this impactful initiative, the ESFRS invites potential sponsors to reach out via Fire.Cadets@esfrs.org to explore how they can contribute to the development and expansion of the Fire Cadet units.
Feedback from parents and guardians of Fire Cadets has been overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the program’s transformative impact on participants. Testimonials highlight the program’s success in providing a welcoming, inclusive environment that supports the personal and social development of young people facing various challenges.
This financial support and the call for further sponsorship underscore the community’s commitment to nurturing young talents and ensuring a safer, more inclusive future for all.
Read more and how to sponsor Fire Cadets from ESFRS at https://www.esfrs.org/help-brighten-young-futures
