Volunteers at Safety Central
A few hours of your time could really save a life
If you’ve got what it takes to become a Safety Central volunteer ranger then we want to hear from YOU.
Although visits to the centre are always supervised by one of our full-time team, we’re supported by dedicated team of volunteer rangers who lead groups around our interactive scenarios and bring them to life.
Our rangers guide people of all ages around the centre, running simple activities that enable them to think about how they can avoid coming to harm in a range of situations.
If you are interested in applying, please note that Safety Central and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service place safeguarding at the heart of everything we do. To protect our visitors, staff and volunteers from harm, all rangers are engaged in line with ‘safer recruitment’ principles. This means we undertake Disclosure and Barring Service checks and ask applicants to provide two references.
Key tasks
- Greet and welcome visitors, who range from primary school children to older adults
- Escort visitors around the centre delivering and reinforcing key safety messages
- Answer questions from the visitors during the tour
- Assist with set up and set down of activity equipment if necessary
- Promote Safety Central to potential visitors and potential new volunteers
Why volunteer?
- Gives you a chance to make a real difference in your local community
- Work with groups most at risk of avoidable harm and help them reach their full potential
- A chance to develop and learn new skills through fun, relaxed and relevant training
- Be part of an exciting, innovative project and team
- Gain experience of volunteering in a high-performing emergency service
Training
You will receive all the training you need for the role by taking part in our Ranger Academy. This is a specially-designed training programme, delivered by the friendly full-time Safety Central team, that enables you to learn and develop, at your own pace, the skills that will be needed in the centre, in a relaxed and informal setting. After graduating from the Academy you will feel competent and confident in delivering the activities and have the opportunity to continue your personal development by taking part in additional training modules run throughout the year.
Commitment
To gain the most out of this exciting volunteering opportunity, we recommend that volunteers give a minimum of one day, every two weeks.
Most visits take place during weekday working hours, but there are also opportunities to volunteer during evenings and weekends.
What our volunteers say
Meet Anne
Start date: 2017
I gave up work in 2015, but with a husband still working, I knew I needed to do something to keep useful. I needed a role that was challenging, used my skills, was near home and above all was flexible. I had considered a few volunteering opportunities, but nothing seemed to quite fit what I was looking for. That was until I noticed a post on Facebook looking for Fire Service volunteers at Safety Central. No, they did not need people to firefight but rather to help prevent fires happening in the first place and keep people safe. The advert fired my interest and fulfilled everything I had been looking for – plus looked like something I would really enjoy doing.
I started volunteering at Safety Central in 2017 when it first opened that is nearly 8 years now. The role has been challenging but also very satisfying. It involves taking school children, young people and adults around the interactive centre. The centre educates and encourages visitors to recognise hazards, assess and reduce risks at home and in public for their own and others’ safety in real life settings. Although there is an emphasis on fire safety we also focus on road/rail, water, electric safety and the consequences of certain behaviours.
I work alongside amazing fire service staff and other volunteers who have been extremely supportive, empowering and encouraging.
My experience volunteering at the centre has provided me with a strong sense of purpose and has enhanced both my confidence and self-esteem. I have enjoyed meeting new people both volunteers and visitors. I like the flexibility to work with all age groups and to choose when to attend, which can be different days of the week, an afternoon, evening or very occasionally a Saturday. I love the reactions, excitement and enthusiasm of the children (and often adults) knowing at the end of their visit they have enjoyed a different experience and are hopefully a little safer.
Further information
Take your first step towards becoming a Safety Central volunteer!
Register your interest
If you would like to find out more about volunteering at Safety Central and have a tour of the Centre, feel free to give the team a call on 01606 868643 or email safetycentral@cheshirefire.gov.uk
Apply now
You can apply online now by completing our simple application form. Before you start, make sure you have your driving licence to hand as we will ask you for the categories of vehicles you can drive. You will also need the names and contact details for an emergency contact and two people who can give you references.
This role requires a DBS check to the appropriate level.
