Caged Football event – Manchester

Apprentices based at Manchester and Stockport borough have been taking part in caged football events over the recent weeks. This is to engage with our young people across Greater Manchester.

The event at the National Football Museum by the Football Association raised awareness to the public of our fire safety messages and shows a presence of GMFRS in our communities.

The caged football unit diverts young people from becoming involved in anti-social behavior and fire related crime by giving them activities to get involved in.

Michel Dunn, Community Fire Safety Advisor Apprentice, said about the day,“The event at Urbis was a very enjoyable day. When myself and other GMFRS employees from Manchester and Stockport got involved and played some football with the public more kids wanted to join in and more people wanted to watch as the enjoyment and laughter filled the air.”

“It was a really nice change to our usual involvement with the community seeing a simple caged football unit bring all ages into competitive action packed matches.”

“The event in my opinion was a huge success and extremely popular with all that attended.”

Lee's Story

Written by Apprentice Business Safety Advisor Laura Broughton

Lee is one of our Business Safety Advisor Apprentices and he is based at Manchester Central station. Lee, 20, first became involved with Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service when he joined the Princes Trust team in Eccles last year. 

Whilst on the 12 week course which the Princes Trust provides alongside GMFRS, Lee gained confidence and key skills in a number of areas.

 Unfortunately Lee was attacked a few years ago which put a huge barrier on his life. As a result of this he had a few bad years in high school and found himself in trouble and ended up in a job he didn’t want to do.

Lee has always been interested in working for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service but always felt that he wasn’t good enough.

Thanks to the Princes Trust Course, along with the help from his team managers and peers on the team, his confidence improved and helped him believe that a career in the fire service was possible. Lee is a shining example of the work that the Princes Trust does for young people in our communities.

Lee has improved massively whilst working with our Protection Officers at Manchester Central station and now enjoys coming to work each day.

I recently asked Lee about his time with the fire service and he told me

“I’ve never polished boots so much in my entire life.”

“I am really proud of where I am today and when I look at the crest on my uniform, it is a constant reminder of how much I have improved.”

“I will always have endless respect for the Princes Trust and the Fire Service for the impact it has had on me. I can honestly say they have changed my life.”

If Lee’s story has inspired you to make a change, or you know someone you think could benefit and you are between 16-25 please get in touch with Angela Sands, Eccles Prince’s Trust Team Manager on 07854494816.

Bolton Cadets

Written by Apprentice Business Safety Advisor Laura Broughton

Over the past few weeks I have been involved in organizing the new cadet unit at Bolton Central Fire Station. 12 Community Fire Cadet Units are set up throughout Greater Manchester with our Bolton unit making the 13^th. Unlucky for some maybe, however I think I am truly lucky to be a part of this fantastic opportunity.

Our Cadets are now attending the Fire Station on a Tuesday evening. They seemed nervous in the first week but are now settling in, making friends and we are proud to have them as part of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

Over the next two years, I along with GMFRS volunteers will be training them to gain a Level 2 BETEC award. They will learn how to run hose drills and learning everything else that you need to know about what the Fire Service do.

I will be keeping you updated on their progress and would love to hear from anyone who is interested in becoming a cadet, anywhere in Greater Manchester.

http://www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/community_work/fire_cadets.aspx

Sophie’s Story

Written by Apprentice Business Safety Advisor Laura Broughton

Sophie Williams is our new Community Safety Advisor Apprentice at Eccles Fire Station.

She first became involved with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service last year when she signed up for the Princes Trust team in Stockport.

Before Joining the Princes Trust, Sophie wasn’t sure what career path she wanted and moved from job to job hoping she’d find something she’d enjoy.

When Sophie was left unemployed she saw an advert in the newspaper and joined the Princes Trust Team in her area.

From there she gained confidence and through a work experience placement on the course, she worked closely with the Community Safety team at Whitehill Fire Station. Finding she enjoyed it, she hoped for this to be a future job prospect.

In October last year Sophie applied to become an apprentice and like us all here now was very proud to be part of a very unique opportunity.

Sophie said: “I really enjoyed my time at Whitehill and it pushed me more to reach my goal of working for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

 “I gained a lot of new skills on my work experience, learning the community safety advisor role and understanding of the different jobs within the service and the uniforms.”

Health,Safety and Wellbeing day at Manchester Metropolitan University

Written by Apprentice Business Safety Advisor Laura Broughton

Our apprentices over at Manchester Central have been working to educate students at Manchester Metropolitan University about fire safety.  The event, led by one of the apprentices from last year now with a full time Community Safety Advisor's position, educated students on kitchen safety and highlighted our ‘Ban the Pan’ campaign.