As a Service, we value and recognise the importance of community engagement and welcome requests for opportunities to be part of community events, and visits to or from pre-schools, nurseries and organised children’s groups.
Our approach to community engagement involves a range of activities that engage with and create open conversations with our residents. We often organise events and visits for local community groups to give them the opportunity to find out more about the role of the fire and rescue service, and provide education at all levels to reduce the risk and likelihood of harm to those who live and work within our Service area.
These activities are carried out in a number of ways, including:
- Fire station open days
- Community events
- School visits
- Home education group visits
- Pre-school/nursery visits
- Organised children’s group visits
- Fire safety intervention for children and teenagers who require fire safety education to help with improving safe behaviours
Please note, whilst we would like to accommodate all requests, this simply isn’t possible due to capacity in some locations. Therefore, each request will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
To that end, in order for us to prioritise these requests, please complete the relevant community engagement request form below, providing as much information as possible.
Community events
For requests for attendance at community events, such as school fetes, career fairs, carnivals, open days, showground events and music festivals, please complete the community event request form.
Please note, at least eight weeks’ notice is required for all community events requests.
Schools
Every primary school in Dorset and Wiltshire will be contacted by our Education Team, with our offering depending on the school’s circumstances.
Please use the school safety education request form ONLY to request:
- details of the safety education offering if you have not received it; or
- if you have specific concerns, such as an incident causing upset or concern for the children, behaviour around the fire call point/fire alarm etc.
Resources for specific topics such as the Great Fire of London, ‘people who help us’, fireworks and bonfires will be made available on the website.
Secondary schools, SEND schools and alternative provisions should complete the school safety education request form and we will contact you to discuss your requirements.
Please note, requests for attendance at school fayres or careers events should be made via the community event request form.
Home Education
Throughout the year, we will offer home education days at fire stations across our Service area. Please visit our Education pages to see locations and dates.
Pre-schools and nurseries
Where stations are able to support visits, you will be placed on a waiting list and contacted when the crew have capacity to book your visit. Please complete the pre-school/nursery request form to request your visit.
If we are unable to accommodate your request, we have plenty of education resources available on our website that are enjoyable, interactive and designed for you to use for self-delivery.
Organised children’s groups
Where stations are able to support requests for visits by organised children’s groups – such as scouting & guiding groups, youth groups etc – you will be placed on a waiting list and contacted when the crew have capacity to book your visit. Please fill in the organised children’s group form to request your visit.
If we are unable to accommodate your request, we have plenty of education resources available on our website that are enjoyable, interactive and designed for you to use for self-delivery.
Fire safety intervention
If you are concerned that a child or teenager (or adult up to age 25 years with SEND or a care leaver) is playing with fire, or is worried about their fire safety, we can offer help and advice. Please visit our fire safety intervention page for further information and to refer the child for help.
Please note, although the referral can come from anyone professional who engages with the child (teacher, social worker etc), we do need parental permission to engage with the child.