A scheme developed to make a positive difference to the safety of the local community through the teaching of fire service skills to young people is the latest beneficiary of a fund administered by a housing association.
The Northallerton Fire Cadets has received funding of £320 from Broadacres, through its Community Development Fund.
The money will benefit the 16 young people currently undertaking a two-year course which will ultimately result in them gaining an Edexcel BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Fire and Rescue Services in the Community.
During the course the nine girls and seven boys, who are all aged 13-15, learn to use specialist equipment including ladders, pumps and breathing apparatus, as well as supporting community activities which promote safety.
The grant approved by Broadacres has been used to buy jackets for the current crop of candidates to wear over the next two years when they are at community events.
Adam Farrow, crew manager at North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, said: “Northallerton Fire Cadets has been running continuously for the past five years but receives no external funding to support the two-year qualification.
“North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service support the scheme by providing dedicated trainers and the aim is for it to become entirely self-funding.
“We are therefore very grateful to Broadacres for their support.
“As well as providing a meaningful, formal qualification for the young people who take part, the scheme provides diversionary activities for local youths to keep them off the streets and prevent involvement in anti-social behaviour, so it’s an important community project.”
Rosemary Colebrook is one of the Broadacres’ residents who serve on the community development fund panel which determine the award.
She said: “The panel were unanimous in approving funding for such a worthwhile project which is helping to provide meaningful activities for young people in the Northallerton area.
“This is a perfect example of how the Community Development Fund can benefit projects in the areas where Broadacres have homes.”
Applications for the 2020/21 community development are now being accepted.
For more information on the fund and how to apply visit www.broadacres.org.uk/customer-area/getting-involved/community-development-fund/
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