Why Community Outreach?
Community Outreach enables West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to make direct contact with groups who work with vulnerable individuals in the community who may miss out on mainstream fire and road safety campaigns. The work of the Outreach Officer entails identifying and understanding the needs of those who are most vulnerable to death, injury or personal loss through fire by; working in partnership with other agencies, voluntary or charitable groups and internal departments; and speaking to members of the community.
What do we do?
Through engagement with communities and individuals Safety Central help dispel myths and allay any fears amongst minority groups and encourage participation in fire and road safety events, uptake of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service assistance and appropriate education and awareness.
Linking in with partner agencies the Outreach Officer is able to identify innovative ways to educate and inform the diverse communities of West Yorkshire. Intervention packages are developed which are bespoke to meet the needs of the individual, group or particular issue.
What difference are we making?
We are able to offer more flexible and appropriate fire and road safety awareness and education to a wider section of society and by utilising the expertise of partners and the community we can ensure that all educational messages are relevant and appropriate to the individual.
Our community centred approach increases the Service’s understanding of diverse community needs, reducing fire related incidents, whilst increasing public confidence and trust.
