Release date: 17 June 2025
Twelve young people have successfully completed the latest EVOLVE course run by West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.
EVOLVE is an early intervention programme for primary school pupils aged 10-11 to support them as they prepare for the transition to secondary school.
During the five-day programme, the pupils from South Bersted C of E Primary School and Southway Primary school took part in a diverse range of activities inspired by the role of a firefighter to help build their self-confidence and resilience.
A special pass out parade was held to celebrate the pupils’ achievements on Friday (13 June) at Bognor Fire Station in front of their proud families and the High Sheriff of West Sussex, Dr Tim Fooks.
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Head of Service Delivery, Andy Piller, attended the event and presented the young people with their certificates.
Speaking after the event, he said: “It was a pleasure to meet the young people who took part in our EVOLVE course and watch them demonstrate their new skills.”
“Throughout the week they have taken part in a range of activities including running hoses, breathing apparatus exercises, ladder drills, team building challenges, and first aid training.
“They have all worked hard and should be very proud of themselves. I hope they will be able to draw on this experience and use the skills they have learnt this week to support them as they move forward in their lives.”
Councillor Duncan Crow, Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, said: “I would like to congratulate the young people who completed our latest EVOLVE course. The aim of this programme delivered by Targeted Education Team is for every young person to emerge from the course feeling confident, more resilient, and better prepared for this next chapter of their lives. I wish them all the best of luck as they head off to secondary school in September.”
People can find out more about West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Targeted Education programmes.
