THE Essex fire service has reached the final in the Business Excellence Awards for a programme to reduce criminal and antisocial behaviour.

The service’s community development team is in the running for the community award after impressing judges with the Firebreak scheme, which has helped hundreds of young people and adults transform their lives.

The Firebreak courses are specially designed to work closely with victims, perpetrators and mentors of domestic abuse, to reduce re-offending and antisocial behaviour rates in Essex and to help the job prospects of the long-term unemployed.

The programme also helps improve the lives of people affected by drug and alcohol misuse and social isolation.Participants learn the importance of teamwork, responsibility and self-dependence while improving their confidence through a series of challenging tasks, including using fire service equipment and learning first aid.

Senior Divisional Officer Julian Ashley, head of safer communities, said: “We’re extremely proud of how the community development team has expanded the scope of the Firebreak scheme to reach out to our diverse organisations and provide opportunities for children, youths and adults to reach their full potential whatever their background or circumstances.”

Visit firebreak@essex-fire.gov.uk.