1. Community Volunteer Scheme Gary Walsh, Deputy Chief Fire Officer

2. What is it? East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) Community Volunteer scheme was created to support the work of the Service in achieving its vision of ‘safer and more sustainable communities.’ Volunteers make a vital contribution by helping ESFRS provide fire and road safety information and practical support to the local community.

3. Background The scheme began in 2009 as a pilot project in the Wealden area, with volunteers based at Heathfield fire station promoting fire and road safety. In 2010, the scheme expanded to cover the whole of East Sussex and the City of Brighton & Hove, enabling the Service to access the support of the volunteers.

4. How is the Scheme run? 3VA manages the scheme via a Service Level Agreement. The scheme has also benefitted from funding from Department of Health to run its Health and Wellbeing project.

5. Who are our volunteers? Our volunteers come from all walks of life and have varied life experiences, all of which help them to understand the needs of their local communities. Their motivation for getting involved are varied. Some want to help their local communities, some have been helped by the fire service and want to give something back, others want to pursue a career in the uniformed services.

6. Who are our volunteers? Within the Wealden borough we have volunteers from a wide background: Lawyer Retired head teacher Postman Care worker Full-time mother Retired firefighter Youth worker Surveyor

7. What do our volunteers do? Community engagement Road safety activities (Biker Down, Safe Drive Stay Alive) Health and Wellbeing Visits Intervention activities (LIFE/Eggtooth, Safety in Action) Role play for operational exercises Support at partnership activities (Brighton Biker Nights, Pride)

8. What do our volunteers do in Wealden? Supporting Wealden District Council in providing flood preparedness information to the local community (education and prevention) Electric blanket testing at local fire stations Wealden District Council Fun and Safety Days Safety in Action – week-long partnership events where school-age children learn about safety (road safety, electrical safety, water safety, how to call 999 etc) Speedwatch Coaching for applicants for the retained duty system

9. Working with partners Borough, district and county councils (older peoples’ day, parish events) Joint emergency services events (999 events, large-scale training events) Sussex Police (Safe as Houses) Firefighters charity (charity carwash, stall at station open days) Local voluntary and community organisations (BHF)

10. How do we keep our volunteers informed and involved in decision-making? Annual Survey (highlights of their volunteering, ideas for future activities) Regular opportunities to feedback on their experiences (via their timesheets, monthly volunteers’ meetings, annual volunteers celebration) Monthly newsletter Feedback and thanks from ESFRS staff and partners

11. Future Plans We are always looking at new and innovative activities for our volunteers, to strengthen the work we do and to support our partners with achieving their aims.

12. Future Plans Joint volunteering scheme with Sussex Police Community Volunteer Pilot in Eastbourne area due to commence 1 st October

13. Future Plans Safe and Well Visits: Support to residents (referred by ESFRS or partner agencies) to ensure they are safe and well in their homes Deliver fire safety messages and check they have working smoke alarms Deliver other safety messages from our partners Identify support needs and refer to relevant partner agencies

14. Future Plans Support to CCGs to encourage some of their clients to begin their journey to better health through: Encouraging individuals to attend sessions at community fire stations gyms Providing moral support and encouragement during sessions Providing transport if necessary

16. Questions www.esfrs.org/communityvolunteers www.facebook.com/esfrscommunityvolunteers volunteer@esfrs.org