Volunteers typically help one evening a week, which varies depending on where the units are held. Your help may also be needed for occasional weekends.
We have Fire Cadet units in all of the 32 London boroughs, and the City of London.
The programme, which lasts 12 months, helps young people build their confidence while also learning about:
the use of firefighting equipment and the incidents attended by London Fire Brigade.
fire safety in the home and the community.
youth social action activities to make your community safer and better.
supporting London Fire Brigade at open days and events.
In return, you have the opportunity to gain a range of transferable skills as well as having the chance to complete a number of accredited courses including:
Drill Yard Supervision – how to safely supervise practical activities performed by the Cadets on our drill yard.
Safeguarding Children – a bespoke course designed specifically for the emergency services, which identifies what is meant by safeguarding and child abuse, and helps you spot the signs and know how to respond.
Managing Challenging Behaviour – identifying and making correct and consistent responses to challenging behaviours.
Our volunteers don't need to have experience of working with young people, just a passion for helping change a young person's life for the better. There are some practical requirements too. To join us, you'll need:
All volunteers are, of course, required to complete mandatory training including an induction into London Fire Brigade, safeguarding children, and managing challenging behaviour, as well as undergoing an enhanced DBS check.
First and foremost, because it's really rewarding, and really good fun. But there are lots of other reasons too:
Meet real Cadets, get an idea of what it's like, and see whether volunteering might be for you.
Fire Cadets for Volunteers – watch our video and meet current Fire Cadets.
