Youth Engagement Scheme: YES
July 2012 Shirebrook
Junction Arts are once again proud to have supported the Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service Youth Engagement Scheme in Shirebrook.
The Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service work in partnership with a wide range of partners to deliver this project across the County to address a number of youth related issues. YES is ambitious in it’s ambition to improve the quality of life in our local communities and of our young people.
We have been involved in a number of Youth Engagement Schemes in Shirebrook and Chesterfield over the last two years and most recently were asked to deliver a creative activity that would encourage team working, problem solving and communication skills.

Film City Production Agency were contracted to run two half day film making workshops were the young recruits made a short film about their experiences of being involved in YES. The film consists of documentary footage of the daily drill sessions they take part in, personal interviews and an evaluation of their involvement. This is quite a challenge, especially because they write the interview questions, are responsible for all the filming and sound and of course are the interviewees and provide all of the action!
Participation in and completion of, the Youth Engagement Scheme is celebrated with a Pass Out Parade that is attended by all the young people, their families, firefighters and partner representatives. This is an opportunity to watch the final film and congratulate the young people for their commitment  and hard work.
Maria Buck, the firefighter who leads the project said “The course has been a learning curve for all concerned and we have shown that together we can make a good team. The young people have experienced many taster sessions and these have hopefully given them food for thought and will encourage them to have a positive outlook in the future.”