What UK Fire Cadets taught StayWise about youth engagement
Iain Hoey
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Fire Cadets help shape expansion of NFCC’s StayWise
Fire Cadets from across the UK have contributed to the next phase of StayWise, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) digital fire safety education platform.
According to StayWise, the collaboration took place during a residential event in Wiltshire organised by the NFCC Prevention Hub.
Cadets and instructors from Merseyside, Leicestershire, Cheshire, Hampshire and Isle of Wight, Devon and Somerset, South Wales and Northamptonshire attended.
The event formed part of NFCC’s ongoing effort to expand access to fire safety education and develop leadership opportunities for young people aged 13 to 18.
Cadets contribute to design of new StayWise section
Over the weekend, participants helped design the new UK Fire Cadet section of the StayWise website.
This section will include resources to develop operational skills and materials identified by cadets as important to their personal growth.
Content areas include fire safety, first aid, road safety and water safety education, alongside career development guidance and support for rank progression.
Instructors will also gain access to a dedicated library of safeguarding and leadership resources.
StayWise said workshops led by its team enabled cadets to map out the structure, content and user experience of the new online area.
Between sessions, cadets took part in outdoor and team-building activities at PGL Liddington.
Funding supports StayWise and Fire Cadets programme
The event was supported by a £500,000 government grant awarded to NFCC by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
The funding is intended to expand the reach of the UK Fire Cadets programme and improve access to fire safety education through digital channels.
According to NFCC, the grant will help create new opportunities for young people across the country while strengthening the Fire Cadet Voice Forum’s role in shaping programme content.
Insights from the Wiltshire event will directly inform the design and content of the StayWise Fire Cadets area.
This ensures that materials reflect the priorities of cadets and instructors nationwide.
NFCC highlights cadets’ engagement and creativity
Sarah Mason, NFCC Head of Prevention, said: “It was fantastic to see our Fire Cadets so engaged in helping to shape their part of our StayWise website.
“It also allows us to make our work more meaningful and accessible.
“By listening to their views, we’re making sure our services and products reflect what our users truly need.
“The whole group was incredibly supportive, creative and professional – they are a real credit to their units and their fire and rescue services.”
Digital platform aims to strengthen youth fire safety education
The enhanced StayWise platform will provide interactive educational materials for use by Fire Cadets, instructors and schools.
StayWise said it encourages parents, teachers and those with caring responsibilities for young people to register and support the initiative.
The platform continues to promote the message: “StayWise to Save Lives.”
Developing leadership and prevention skills through StayWise
The development of the new Fire Cadet section within StayWise highlights NFCC’s focus on youth engagement and prevention.
By giving cadets a direct role in shaping digital educational tools, the NFCC supports early leadership development and increases awareness of fire, road and water safety among young people.
For instructors and fire and rescue services, the new materials will provide a consistent framework for training, safeguarding and community outreach.
The inclusion of career development resources could also help attract future recruits to the fire and rescue sector.