Please note that currently our LIFE Courses have all been paused pending a review, further information will be released when we are ready to start the course again.

Local Intervention Fire Education (LIFE)

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service provide opportunities to help improve outcomes for young people in our communities.

Our Local Intervention Fire Education project, also known as LIFE is one of these opportunities.

What is LIFE?

Through a blend or practical activities, classroom sessions and positive role-modelling, the LIFE programme is designed to help young people build resilience, self-confidence and effective relationships. The desired outcome is for the young people to progress with a positive approach, and be less vulnerable to negative peer associations.

The young people are challenged physically and given the opportunity to reflect on their attitudes and behaviours. The programme aims to develop a sense of social responsibility and self-discipline.

Overall, we aim those on the programme to complete it with:

• Improved communications skills
• Improved teamwork skills
• Positive values
• Increased confidence and resilience
• Understanding of consequences
• The ability to establish and main positive relationships at home, in education and the wider community
• Future aspirations

Who is LIFE for?

The programme is targeted toward young people aged between 13 and 16-years-old, who may be vulnerable to negative peer influence or exploitation. Their behaviour may be starting to come to attention in education or the community, they may be struggling with making appropriate choices or they may be at risk of anti-social or other offending behaviour.

From previous experience, the level of emotional, physical and mental maturity needed for the programme makes it most suited to those in school years eight, nine and 10. However, as each person is individual, referrals from other year groups will also be considered.

Those attending are referred to North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service by professionals and support workers, more information can be found below.

Notes about the course

The course is five days long and runs Monday-Thursday 9am until 3.30pm, and Friday 9am-1.30pm. It must be attended entirely.

Breakfast, lunch, drinks and snacks are provided throughout so students need not bring anything with them.

We are unable to provide transport and appropriate daily arrangements would need to be made to facilitate the young person arriving and departing from the course location.

Personal protective equipment (FireKit) is provided to be worn during practical activities.

Due to the physical nature of the course, candidates should be injury free.

Who can refer

We invite referrals for any young person who may benefit from attending the LIFE course. Referrals can be made by any professional or support worker, including, but not limited to, including teachers, youth workers, social workers, PCSOs, police officers, young offending teams, domestic abuse support, autism support and young carers support.

How to refer

If you know a young person who may benefit from attending the course, please complete the following:

1. Download and print the referral form
2. Ask the young person’s parent or guardian to complete their section (this must be completed before referring)
3. Apply for consent for attendance from the young person’s school
4. Return the completed form to life@northyorksfire.gov.uk by the submission deadline

After a referral has taken place

1. Referring partners will attend the professional discussion to represent the young person. This is to provide any further information needed to decide who will be offered a place on the project.
2. Up to 14 young people will then be offered a place on the course
3. A confirmation and an offer will be issued together with an invitation to attend an induction evening