South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue (SYFR) is excited to announce the launch of its official WhatsApp Channel, a new platform designed to strengthen communication with the community and provide important fire safety advice, major incident updates, and other exclusive behind the scene looks at SYFR.

A first of its kind for a fire service in the UK, the channel forms part of SYFR’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents of South Yorkshire. Our new WhatsApp Channel will serve as a direct line of communication between the fire service and the public, offering a convenient and accessible way to receive timely updates and engage with important fire safety content.

Key Features of the SYFR WhatsApp Channel:

Fire Safety Tips: Receive regular, easy-to-follow tips to enhance safety at home, in the workplace, and within the community.

Major Incidents: Stay informed during major incidents with updates and safety advice.

Behind the Scenes: Get exclusive behind the scene looks at how SYFR works and discover trivia and facts about the service.

Event Announcements: Be the first to know about upcoming fire safety events, open days and charity car washes.

You can sign up to the channel here.

About WhatsApp Channels

WhatsApp Channels work a bit like following a page does on Facebook – rather than being “Friends” with an individual, that is.

Channels give you the opportunity to effectively sign up for updates from organisations, creators, and communities without anyone else having to know that you’re doing so.

When you join a WhatsApp Channel, while the Channel’s admins will get a notification, they won’t get access to your phone number or details.

You’ll then get new messages whenever admins post in the Channel, much as you would from a contact, except in a new tab at the bottom of WhatsApp called Updates.

You can review these posts whenever you like. You’ll be able to react with emojis and see how others are reacting, but your contacts won’t be able to see your precise reactions, even if they’re in the same Channel.

Messages, images and other posts disappear after 30 days, and admins can limit the forwarding of messages or files if they desire, to keep Channels more tightly controlled.

A group of young people have renovated the YMCA allotments in Barnsley as part of their Prince’s Trust course.

The current cohort of young chose the YMCA Barnsley community allotments as their community project which they completed as part of the Prince’s Trust Team Programme.

The group worked hard in all weather conditions to clear paths, repair growing beds and refurbish a seating area before handing the allotments back to the YMCA at a special ceremony on Friday 27 October, an event which was also attended by the Chief Fire Officer.

Andrea Battye, YMCA Barnsley Youth Work Manager said: “We are very grateful and greatly appreciate the work of the young people from the Prince’s Trust who have shown impressive resilience and commitment in the midst of often very poor weather.

“They have achieved an impressive amount in a short period. The feel of the space and accessibility are much improved and will make a huge difference to our own young people and the other community groups that use this fabulous space.

“We also wish to thank everyone who donated to the appeal and supported the project and also South Yorkshire Fire Service who supported the young people in their work.”

Rebecca Dore, Prince’s Trust Team Leader Assistant said: “We are very proud of our young people and all they accomplished whilst working on YMCA allotments.

“From getting muddy and drenched in the rain to weeding and adding wood chippings, bricklaying, putting up solar lights and handing over the keys to YMCA – they have enjoyed every minute.

“We are huge advocates for young people’s mental health, so we were excited to work with YMCA who are renowned for their support of youth engagement and mental health.

“We would like to thank the YMCA for giving the young people the creative freedom, opportunity and space to learn new skills, to learn about the environment and have fun.

“I’d also like to thank The Range for their generous donations and Wickes for their discount. These companies have played a huge part in making the project possible for the young people and have made amazing contributions to the community.

“We also want to say a big thank you to Greggs and Dominos for donating food for the young people whilst they were working hard in the pouring rain.”

The Team programme is a 12 week development course that gives young people a chance to learn vital life skills and earn qualifications to help them into work.

The course, delivered by South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue in partnership with the Prince’s Trust and Barnsley College, runs from a new purpose-built Team Room at Barnsley Fire Station.

As well as the community project, the young people also complete a residential in the Peak District and work placements throughout the 12 weeks before a final presentation in Barnsley Town Hall in front of friends and family.

The next course is set to run in January and you can register your interest now!

Just email princestrust@syfire.gov.uk to find out more.