FireBreak

Helping young people build confidence, resilience and positive futures

Firebreak is a firefighter-led early intervention programme for children and young people, delivered at local fire stations across Essex.

Using real firefighter drill yard activities alongside structured education sessions, Firebreak helps participants develop personal resilience, improve wellbeing, build confidence and make positive life choices in a safe, supportive environment.

Every programme finishes with a pass-out parade, celebrating the achievements of everyone who takes part.

Who is Firebreak for?

Firebreak is designed for children and young people aged 10 to 17, and young adults aged 18 to 25.

Programmes are commissioned by organisations including:

Schools
Youth services
Community Safety Partnerships
Youth Justice Services
Voluntary and community organisations

Firebreak is delivered as a group programme and is not available through individual referrals.

A flexible programme

Every Firebreak programme is tailored to meet the needs of the group.

Partners can choose:

Programme length (1–5 days)
Group size (5–12 participants)
Education themes
Optional accredited qualifications

For groups requiring longer-term support, we also offer Firebreak Plus, combining time at a fire station with follow-up sessions delivered in schools or community settings.

What participants experience

Each programme combines practical firefighter activities with structured learning, including:

Firefighter drill yard activities
Team-building challenges
First aid training (qualification available)
Education workshops
Reflection and personal development
A pass-out parade to celebrate success

Education themes

Partners can tailor the programme by selecting education topics that best meet the needs of their group.

Examples include:

Healthy relationships and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)
Restorative justice
Road safety
Knife crime awareness
Gangs awareness
Anti-social behaviour
Online safety and exploitation
Employability skills
Aspirations

This list is not exhaustive, and additional themes can be developed with commissioning partners.

Qualifications

Where programmes meet the required Guided Learning Hours, participants can work towards nationally recognised qualifications, including:

First Aid
The King's Trust Developing Resilience qualification

The Developing Resilience qualification supports young people to build resilience, improve wellbeing and develop positive physical and mental health.

Why choose Firebreak?

Firebreak provides an engaging and memorable learning experience that combines the unique environment of a working fire station with practical activities and experienced firefighters.

Our programmes help young people:

Build confidence
Develop resilience
Improve teamwork and communication
Make safer, more informed decisions
Increase aspirations
Celebrate personal achievement

Costs

The cost of a Firebreak programme depends on:

The number of participants
The length of the programme
Any qualifications included

As a guide, a full-day Firebreak programme typically costs around £1,000. A bespoke quotation will be provided once your programme has been designed.