The Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service last week hosted a ground breaking scheme designed to change the behaviour and attitudes of youngsters at risk of offending.

The Local Intervention Fire Education scheme - LIFE for short - saw youngsters take part in an intensive five day training course at Ryde Fire Station. During the week, participants were trained on how to be responsible for the management and maintenance of fire fighting equipment.

This training included looking after fire appliances, personal equipment, and the station in general. LIFE aims to address fire safety and anti-social behaviour issues in relation to young people and the local communities they live in.

Martin Poynter is the LIFE Team Coordinator and says:

“The scheme gives youngsters opportunities that many could only dream of. We held an inaugural event on the Island last year and it was extremely well received. The Fire Service is a positive role model and hopefully we can improve the lives of those taking part. This may include helping them realise the importance of full-time education for example.”

The aim of the project to highlight the consequences of anti-social behaviour and provide an intensive work experience course within a structured uniformed team. It instils discipline, team spirit, fire safety awareness, life skills and values which will improve the life chances of the young people.

Isle of Wight Council Cabinet member for Safer Communities Diana Tuson said: “LIFE is a very good scheme that proved successful last year. I am delighted the council and its partners are getting behind this event again.

Similar schemes on the Mainland have made big differences to the lives of youngsters at risk of offending, and if we can achieve similar success here, it will benefit not only the participants, but the local community as well”.

LIFE has the support of Isle of Wight Council, Hampshire Constabulary, the IW Youth Offending Team, and the Pan Community Partnership. The Isle of Wight Youth Inclusion Forum has provided a cash grant towards the running costs of the event.

IWC Media Simon Butler:  Isle of Wight Community News @Island Pulse.