1 Early Intervention Programmes
The West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (WSFRS) Targeted Education Team runs early intervention programmes that help young people build resilience and develop skills to handle life’s challenges. These programmes use proven methods to reduce vulnerability and strengthen protective factors.
Guided by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and aligned with our Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP), our curriculum focuses on:
- building personal resilience
- promoting positive wellbeing
- strengthening relationships
- creating stronger, safer communities
We believe that when young people have the tools to make informed choices, they can lead more confident and fulfilling lives. This also helps reduce their future need for emergency services and encourages positive, lasting behaviours.
Our team uses its trusted role in the community and experience in youth development to run these programmes in fire stations and local communities. We focus on building social and emotional skills through engaging, hands-on activities inspired by the work of firefighters.
What we offer
We run 5 early intervention programmes for children and young people aged 10 to 18, especially those with additional needs or vulnerabilities. Each programme combines structured firefighter-style activities with youth-focused sessions in a safe and supportive setting.
Our programmes include:
- GRIT: A 7-day course for 11 to 13 year olds
- GRIT SEND: A 5-day course for 11 to 18 year olds with special educational needs
- EVOLVE: A 5-day transition course for Year 6 pupils (10 to 11 years old)
- IGNITE: A 5-day programme for 16 to 18 year olds
- FUEL: A 3-day holiday activity club for young people eligible for free school meal
Examples of course content include:
- drill yard activities (for example, hose running)
- firefighter simulation and teamwork challenges
- orienteering in the local community
- communication and leadership tasks
- growth mindset and self-reflection exercises
- fire safety education
These programmes are for young people looking to improve:
- self-esteem and confidence
- personal resilience
- emotional wellbeing
- healthy relationships
- a sense of belonging in their local community
Our curriculum
Our curriculum is structured into 4 core themes:
Personal resilience
Learners will take on challenges that help them explore their own resilience and notice how their emotions respond. By becoming more aware of what helps them cope with difficulties, they can build confidence to face future challenges.
Positive wellbeing
Learners will explore the idea of positive wellbeing and learn how to express their feelings. They’ll take part in activities that boost their confidence and help them reflect on how their wellbeing has grown. They’ll also develop a growth mindset to help them manage negative thoughts.
Healthy relationships
Learners will explore how relationships affect their lives and learn how to build and maintain healthy connections. They’ll take part in activities that build trust, encourage respect and help them understand how strong relationships support positive wellbeing.
Stronger communities
Learners will explore the benefits of being part of supportive communities and discuss what can happen when people act negatively in those spaces. They’ll work together toward a shared goal and use that experience to reflect on what inclusion means in wider communities. Learners will take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others and they’ll be encouraged to make a pledge to contribute positively to their community.
Measuring our impact
We use a 3-stage assessment process to monitor progress and ensure sustained outcomes:
- Baseline assessment: We collect initial information from students and partner organisations to understand their starting point.
- End of course assessment: We gather feedback to measure changes in students’ knowledge, confidence, and behaviour.
- Sustainability assessment: 6 to 12 weeks after the course, we check in with students and partners to see if the improvements have lasted and to understand the long-term impact.
Supporting document
Learners are referred to the courses via their school.
If you require further information, contact us at targeted.education@westsussex.gov.uk.
2 FUEL
Looking for something exciting, enriching and completely free to keep your child active during the school holidays? FUEL is a great option, run by West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.
FUEL is a structured holiday programme for children aged 10 to 14 (Years 6 to 10) who receive free school meals. It runs during the Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays and is part of the national Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
Held at Bognor Regis Fire Station, FUEL combines firefighter-themed activities with workshops that support health, wellbeing, teamwork and personal development. It helps children stay safe, active and connected with others during the holidays.
Each day includes a free, nutritious meal and a variety of hands-on activities such as:
- firefighter-style drills like hose running and ladder practice
- exploring fire engines and learning about emergency services
- orienteering and outdoor challenges around the local area
- team games, communication and leadership tasks
- first aid and safety workshops
- wellbeing sessions focused on mental health and resilience
- nutrition activities that connect food to health and performance
FUEL is designed to:
- support physical activity and healthy lifestyles
- boost confidence, self-esteem and motivation
- reduce social isolation and promote new friendships
- help young people develop key life skills
FUEL is especially helpful for young people who need extra support, structure, or encouragement during the holidays. Our experienced and trusted team runs the programme in a safe and welcoming environment, helping children grow physically and emotionally.
Places are free but limited, so we encourage children to attend every session in the week to get the most out of the experience.
If you require further information, contact us at targeted.education@westsussex.gov.uk.