The challenges on the Fire & Rescue Service are becoming more varied, and they need the people of Freshwater to help confirm what their priorities should be and where to put the resources on the island.
They are in the process of reviewing and developing their community safety plan for 2025-2030. As part of this, they are required to consult with the public to ensure the plans meet the needs of the varied communities both on the Isle of Wight and Hampshire.
To ensure their consultation is as diverse and inclusive as possible, they are looking for any community groups, charities, religious groups in your area that could be approached about hosting either a focus group, or a drop-in event. If you are able to facilitate any event please email crmp@hantsfire.gov.uk.
Groups of approximately twelve people, who are available to meet for one hour between Monday 13 May – Friday 2 August 2024 are being sort. The focus group will be facilitated by a small team, including local fire fighters and officers who will be able to answer questions.
As an incentive, they can offer to meet at the local fire station, and for those attending, they can refer people for smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to be fitted in homes, as well as providing safety advice.
The results of the consultation will be in their Safety Plan for 2025-30, which will be released to the public this autumn.
The Fire & Rescue Service is keen to build stronger relationships with the community.
So far in Freshwater the following have been approached:
- Foodbank
- Library
Alternatively, they are very willing to have a stall at a local event or provide posters, flyers, and digital imagery, advertising where they are hosting focus groups and drop-ins around the island.