By KLTV Newsdesk –

From risk to resilience – how early intervention is transforming futures across West Yorkshire

2025 marks a major milestone for the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) as its Youth Interventions Team celebrates 10 years of empowering and supporting young people across the region.

Launched in 2015, the team was established with a mission to engage more deeply with young people – particularly those most at risk of harm, exclusion or criminal exploitation – and help them build safer, brighter futures.

It signalled a bold move away from the former Young Firefighters scheme, introducing a new, person-centred and trauma-informed approach rooted in local need.

Putting Young People First

Working with young people aged 8 to 25, the Youth Interventions Team offers support to those facing multiple challenges—whether in education, at risk of offending, or likely to come into contact with emergency services.

Through practical, inspiring and often life-changing sessions, they provide early interventions that build trust, confidence and crucial life skills.

“The last 10 years have shown just how powerful early intervention can be,” said Claire Wright, WYFRS Youth Interventions and King’s Trust Manager.

“We’ve seen young people grow in confidence, find new direction, and build positive relationships with the fire service.

“Having worked in every role within the team, I know how tough, but how rewarding, this work is.

“From delivering sessions during the pandemic to shaping new programmes around emerging risks, our team’s creativity and dedication is incredible.

“It’s a privilege to work with people who put young people at the centre of everything they do.”

Building a Brighter West Yorkshire

Since 2015, the Youth Interventions Team has more than doubled in size.

The team now includes eight dedicated members, including six Youth Trainers, and is supported by more than 30 operational firefighters who lead practical, station-based learning and act as inspiring role models for participants.

In partnership with The King’s Trust, the team has delivered:

• 11 ‘Team’ programmes supporting personal development and career readiness

• Four ‘Get Started’ courses for 16–25-year-olds not in education, employment or training (NEET), including Get Started with Boxing, Survival, Health & Fitness, and Emergency Response.

When the pandemic hit, WYFRS was one of only two fire services nationwide to continue delivering King’s Trust programmes digitally – ensuring that vulnerable young people stayed connected and supported during one of the most isolating periods in recent history.

Tackling Emerging Risks and Building Stronger Communities

Adapting to the ever-changing needs of young people, the team has recently launched innovative new programmes to address modern risks like e-scooter safety and youth violence.

As a Serious Violence Duty Holder, WYFRS is committed to proactive intervention, and the Youth Interventions Team plays a vital role in this work.

Their impact is amplified through deep-rooted partnerships with local councillors, youth workers, community groups and the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership, ensuring their interventions are both strategic and community-led.

National Recognition for Local Excellence

The team’s outstanding dedication and innovation were officially recognised in December 2024, when they were named Excellence in Fire and Emergency Services Team of the Year; a prestigious award that highlights their vital role in community safety and youth empowerment.

Sarah Laidlow-Moore, WYFRS Prevention Manager, shared: “It has been a real pleasure to work alongside the Youth Interventions Team throughout their first 10 years.

“They’ve consistently gone above and beyond to make West Yorkshire safer for our young people – and I’m excited to see where the next 10 years takes them.”

Scott Donegan, Operations Response Area Manager, added: “The growth and impact of our Youth Interventions Team over the last decade is a testament to the dedication and passion of everyone involved.

“By providing early interventions and supporting young people in making safer choices, we’re helping to reduce future risks and create positive pathways for them.

“I’m excited to continue supporting young people in our communities and building a safer, brighter future for all.”

Looking to the Future

From classrooms and community hubs to fire stations and online platforms, the Youth Interventions Team continues to embed themselves in the places that matter most, meeting young people where they are and helping them unlock their full potential.

Their mission goes beyond reducing risk, it’s about building trust, opening doors, and creating a new generation of confident, resilient young people ready to thrive.

As they celebrate a decade of impact, one thing is clear: the Youth Interventions Team isn’t just transforming lives, they’re shaping the future of West Yorkshire.