We had a really successful first year at Mitcham Fire Station and we hope that more young people and adult volunteers from Merton will come and join us.

London Fire Brigade has 16 Fire Cadet Units across London. The majority of these are run for 14 – 17 year olds, although we are now piloting a young cadet unit for 11 – 13 yr olds in Barking & Dagenham.

Fire Cadets is a free, nationally recognised youth engagement programme offering keen and committed young people the opportunity to gain a credible BTEC qualification, develop their teamwork, personal skills and confidence. 

Cadets can join for one year initially and after that move on to the graduate Fire Cadet programme, which if dedicated enough can take them right through a range of more senior cadet responsibilities into adulthood as a Volunteer Cadet Instructor.

Cadets is not only about young people who want to get into the Brigade, but also about improving your communities and providing opportunities for young people to engage with their surroundings, making positive life choices.

To run cadets we rely entirely on volunteers, who are not just operational firefighters, but also members of the local community who give up their time to help these young people develop their skills.

Our Volunteer Cadet Instructors receive training in managing difficult behaviour, drill yard supervision and safeguarding amongst other development opportunities making cadets an excellent place for adult volunteers to develop new abilities. 

This programme makes a real difference to the lives of young Londoners and is just one of the ways that the London Fire Brigade are working with local communities to make London a safer, friendlier city. 
If you would like to request an application form to become a Volunteer Cadet Instructor, or apply to be a cadet, please email LFBFireCadets@london-fire.gov.uk

Article supplied by Emily Lanham