Search is on for new volunteers for scheme

The pilot scheme, which recruited community volunteers to support West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s home fire safety check campaign, is being expanded into the Bognor area.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service volunteer manager Emma Francis said: “The success of the pilot scheme has meant we are now in a position to develop the volunteer role further and train our new recruits to carry out home fire safety checks and take part in a much broader range of essential community safety activities.

“They will also become fully-integrated members of the team at Bognor Regis Fire Station.

“One of the most pleasing aspects of the pilot has been the way our new volunteers have helped us reach into the heart of the local community and engage with those we have sometimes struggled to reach.

“We are now extending the scheme into Bognor and would like to recruit a volunteer team that is representative of 
that community.

“We would particularly welcome applications from some of the more diverse community groups we have in the Bognor area.

“This is an exciting role and for people with good communication skills, who are willing to give just a few hours of their time each week it really could make a life-saving difference.

“Could that be you? If you think it could, then we really want to hear from you.”

The scheme, launched last autumn in Littlehampton, is open to anyone over the age of 16 who can commit to a minimum of eight hours 
each month.

Full training for the role will be given.

A home fire safety check is a free service carried out by the fire service.

It involves a pre-arranged visit by a firefighter or community safety advisor to a resident’s home to offer advice on how to make it safer and to fit smoke alarms where appropriate.

For more information visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire

To find out more about the community volunteer role or for an application pack, contact Emma on 
07703 886574.

You can also email [email protected]