Award win highlights programmes' impact on young people

Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service programmes which have built support networks and enhanced career aspirations for more than 60 young people have earned a national award.

Developing Resilience Programme (DRP) courses run by the service's Prevention team with the support of operational firefighters, service staff and volunteers were recognised at the National Fire Chiefs Council’s Celebrating Prevention Awards yesterday.

The service was awarded the Children and Young People Award at a ceremony at the Leicester Marriott Hotel, with Station Manager Andrew Lowes receiving the award on behalf of the team from Chris Kirby, Chief Fire Officer at South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue and Chair of the NFCC's Prevention Committee.

Lauren Woodward, Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, said:

"I am incredibly proud of the team and their achievement. The delivery of the Developing Resilience Programme courses was the culmination of our dedicated team members and partners working together to design and deliver a product fit for the young people and communities of Cumbria.

"I'd like to thank the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Cumbria for supporting with funding, both unitary authorities for their support, the education partners who have engaged and supported, and the NFCC for its continued support and guidance."

DRP courses take place over one week at a fire station, with courses having run at Workington, Carlisle East, Ulverston and Penrith this year. Operational fire drills are used to build confidence, team building and problem solving skills.

Following a programme run for 12 pupils from William Howard School in Brampton earlier this year, Kath Pigdon, headteacher at the school, said: "As a school we believe in building character in our pupils to ensure they can contribute positively to society when they leave.

"Programmes like this are invaluable and support our core value of resilience.

"We are very grateful to the service for providing this opportunity for the young people to thrive."

The service was also shortlisted for the Partnership Working Award as recognition of the work done to establish Cumbria Water Safety Partnership.

This award win and shortlisting is recognition of the excellent work going on not just in the Prevention team but across the service to deliver outstanding service for our communities which contributes to making Cumbria a safer place for all.