Youth services
Every day we carry out a range of activities with young people to ensure safer, stronger and healthier communities.
Our programmes
We offer a range of programmes for young people.
Some are designed to help and educate about fire and its dangers. Some can be particularly helpful for those that have misused or shown an unhealthy interest in fire. Others are focused on vocational learning and teamwork, the development of life skills and more.
We also have a range of Fire Cadet branches that operate at different stations around our service and are a great way for young people aged 11-16 to a range of skills, develop life skills and fun activities.
Fire Cadets
Fire Cadets ( formally known as Young Firefighters Association) are uniformed cadet groups helping to develop life skills, aimed at young people aged 11 to 16 years old, based across the West Midlands.
Long-term branches tend to recruit young people at the age of 11 and work with them until they’re 16, when they either leave to further develop themselves, or take the opportunity to train as an instructor. The Cadets also run shorter programmes, usually between 12 to 20 weeks, aimed at 11 to 18-year olds.
The Fire Cadets form part of a national model in which 26 fire services across the country are working with young people.
FIRE Programme
This 30-hour FIRE programme is run by support staff and firefighters for young people who have or are at risk of offending or have shown challenging behaviour. Through high supervision, we can channel young people’s energy to achieve positive results, as well as looking at the consequences of actions, with the end view of developing alternative positive behaviours.
The course includes elements of the history of the fire service, the science of fire, as well as practical activities using hose pipes and ladders to help youngsters to learn together and support each other. It also carries with it accredited first aid and Open College Network unit qualifications.
To finish the programme, participants put on a full display of all the skills they have learned as part of a Fire Service Pass-out Parade.
To find out more please email prevention.queries@wmfs.net
Fire Safety Tutoring
Worried about a child’s interest in fire? We’re here to help
If you're concerned about a child or young person setting fires or showing an unusual interest in fire, our Prevention Officers are here to support you.
What is fire safety tutoring?
We offer dedicated fire safety tutoring for children and young people up to 18 years old who have experimented with fire or engaged in fire-setting behaviour. If you've noticed any worrying signs, don’t wait—get in touch today. Acting now could save lives.
Who can access this service?
We support children and young people under 18 who live in the West Midlands. Anyone who works with or cares for a child can contact us, including:
- parents and carers
- teachers
- social workers
- Youth Offending Team (YOT) members.
Is there a minimum age?
No, we support children as young as three. Our trained Prevention Officers use age-appropriate techniques to engage them effectively.
Supporting children with additional needs
We tailor our sessions to support all children and young people, including those with special educational needs (SEN) and neurodivergent children. We take an inclusive approach to ensure every child gets the right support. If needed, we can provide extra resources, such as a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter.
How we help
Once a child is referred and we have parental or carer consent, we arrange sessions at their home or educational setting. Our Prevention Officers build trust with the child and their carers to understand their experiences and offer personalised support.
Our approach
We don’t use fear-based techniques. Research shows that education and support are far more effective in changing fire-setting behaviour. Each session is designed to be age-appropriate and adapted to the child’s individual needs.
Why acting now matters
If a child is engaging in fire-setting behaviour, early intervention is vital. Many fires are started by under-18s, and without support, half of young fire-setters will repeat their actions. Taking action now can make all the difference.
If you're worried about a child or young person, please contact us at prevention.queries@wmfs.net and complete the referral form available here: Fire safety tutoring referral form. Your action could save lives.
To find out more please email prevention.queries@wmfs.net
Vocational Learning
Our 30-hour accredited programme is designed for young people aged 12 to 16 years old. We work with schools and locally based youth groups to give participants an understanding of life in the workplace, and the skills to assist them in life choices. Throughout their time with us they’re encouraged to think and make decisions for themselves, but also to work as part of a team.
Teamworx
Teamworx is delivered in partnership with West Midlands Police, Local Authorities and Primary Schools. The aim of the programme is to support and challenge primary school children to develop new skills, explore alternative strategies to become independent members of their community. This is a 6 week programme delivered within the school day.
To find out more about these programmes please email prevention.queries@wmfs.net
Other Accredited Programmes
We offer several other programmes for young people which we are an approved centre for:
- Open College Network courses at Level 1 or Level 2
- BTEC, Fire and Rescue Services in the Community at Award, Certificate and Diploma level.
In addition, we provide training for those staff and volunteers who are working with groups. This training can be a Youth Work qualification, Team Teach and outdoor qualifications like Basic Expedition Leaders course awarded by Sports Leaders.
All of our instructors undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and are provided with the relevant training to deliver high-quality programmes. We take our responsibility for the safety and welfare of children we work with extremely seriously – you can see more about how we look after vulnerable young people in our Safeguarding Policy.