Release date: 20 March 2026
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has welcomed 12 young people to its Fire Cadet programme at Bognor Regis Fire Station.
The programme is now in its second year and continues to grow as a successful initiative supporting young people across West Sussex. The young people aged 13-16 attend weekly sessions on Tuesday evenings led by the service’s Targeted Education Team.
Sessions include practical firefighting-related activities such as hose running drills and equipment handling, team-building exercises, problem-solving tasks, and community-based projects. Cadets can also get involved in local events, helping them to feel connected to and proud of their community.
Fire Cadets offers a unique opportunity for young people to be part of a uniformed service, gain new experiences and develop valuable life skills in a supportive and structured environment.
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Targeted Education Team Leader, Kate Taylor, said: “We are delighted to be running our Fire Cadet programme for a second year.
“A key strength of the programme is the sense of belonging it creates. Cadets work closely as a team, supporting one another, celebrating achievements and building strong, positive relationships with peers and staff.
“The success of the first year at Bognor Regis has already demonstrated the impact the Fire Cadet Programme can have, with participants showing increased confidence, improved teamwork and a greater sense of responsibility.”
Councillor Duncan Crow, Cabinet Member for Community Support and Fire & Rescue, said: “The Fire Cadet Programme is an incredibly rewarding experience for young people. It gives them the chance to try something new, challenge themselves and be part of something bigger, which contributes to building stronger, safer communities across West Sussex.”
The new cohort is thanks partly to funding from the Department for Media, Culture and Sport (DCMS), part of a wider £500,000 grant to increase the number of UK Fire Cadets nationally.
The continuation of the programme has also been made possible by external funding from Bognor Rotary, Bognor Regis Town Council, Arun Community Safety Partnership, The Worshipful Company of Firefighters Charitable Trust, and an individual donor.
People can find out more about the Fire Cadet programme.