At fire stations

Some of our projects take place at our fire stations, to enable young people to see how stations work and understand the day to day work of a firefighter.

The Young Firefighters Association

The YFA (Young Firefighters Association) is a youth organisation run by local authority fire services in partnership with the Fire Services Youth Training Association (FSYTA), a registered charity with professional dedicated youth workers.

The YFA aims to engage young people with the positive ethos of the fire service, making them more aware of fire safety issues and their role in society. It also hopes to inspire young people to become better citizens.

The YFA is open to young people between the ages of 11 and 17. There are seven branches in North Wales: Amlwch, Barmouth, Chirk, Conwy, Dolgellau, Holyhead and Prestatyn.

Simulated drills, visits, lectures, competitions and community safety issues are just some of the activities young people can get involved in.

YFAs generally meet once a week on a weekday evening at their local fire station. From time to time the cadets go to National camps and take part in competitions.

Phoenix

The Phoenix Project works with young people in North Wales to address issues such as social exclusion, bullying, low self esteem and anti social behaviour.

Young people visit a Fire Station for five days and get involved in activities such as fire fighting drills, fire extinguisher training, fire safety, first aid, search and rescue techniques, team building, climbing and canoeing.

Throughout the week, they learn to work together and with firefighters, acquiring new skills and discovering hidden talents. They also learn to appreciate the values of communication, teamwork, trust and friendship and of course, have fun in the process!

The week concludes with the young people putting on a fire fighting display for their family, friends and senior officers of the Fire and Rescue Service, who then present the young people with certificates of achievement.

For further information about the YFA or Phoenix, please contact Simon Wilson on 01492 564 948 or email.