15 Dec 2009

The completion of both boroughs' 50th LIFE courses a passing out parade was held on 11 December at Dagenham
A successful London Fire Brigade scheme that works with young people at risk of social exclusion to raise their self esteem has marked its 50th pass out parade in two boroughs.

Since being introduced in Newham in December 2004, 800  young people have completed Local Intervention Fire Education (LIFE) courses there, while over 650 teenagers have completed the programme in Barking and Dagenham since it began there in January 2005.

The LIFE programme is aimed at young people between the ages of 13 and 17. Many of those taking part have offended, are at risk of offending or may have been victims of crime.

To celebrate the completion of both boroughs' 50th LIFE courses a passing out parade was held on Friday (11 December) at Dagenham Fire Station.

Chairman of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority Cllr Brian Coleman, AM, FRSA, attended the event along with London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson.

"Having the 50th group of young people complete a LIFE course in these two boroughs is a significant achievement for the Brigade"
Cllr Coleman said: "The LIFE  programme is London Fire Brigade's flagship youth engagement scheme, putting thousands of youngsters on the right track. It has repeatedly shown that it has had a positive effect, not only on those taking part, but also on the communities that the Brigade serves.

"Having the 50th group of young people complete a LIFE course in these two boroughs is a significant achievement for the Brigade, the local communities and of course for the young people themselves."

Youngsters taking part in the LIFE programme carry out a number of fire brigade related activities, including the use of ladders, breathing apparatus, casualty rescue techniques, hose line practice and problem solving tasks - all of which are designed to improve motivation, confidence and team building skills.