A Harrogate young carer supported by Carers’ Resource gained invaluable experience and developed a range of life skills by taking part in a challenging course at a North Yorkshire fire station, which has “worked wonders” improving his self-confidence.
Logan Noddings, aged 13, who cares for his mum Natasha, took part in the LIFE (Local Intervention Fire Education) project at Boroughbridge Fire Station over five days, which is aimed at young people who would benefit from confidence building and teaches them new practical skills.
During the course, Logan and 11 other young people got involved in numerous activities and challenges, including hose drills, climbing up and down training towers and using tools to help free someone from a vehicle. They also learned about fire safety, water safety and CPR.
Logan said: “I think it was all amazing. I enjoyed all the activities. I would definitely recommend it to other young people.
“It helped make me more confident and improved my communication and team working skills.”
He also said the course helped him conquer his fear of heights and he enjoyed making new friends.
Inspired by his experience, Logan would like to pursue a career in the fire service in the future and has already got some advice from his local fire station about what he can do in the meantime.
At the end of the course, Logan and the other participants demonstrated the skills they had learned over the five days in a passing out parade. Logan was presented with a LIFE course certificate, as a well as a CPR certificate.
Logan is one of many young carers supported by Yorkshire charity Carers’ Resource. Linda Hall, Young Carer Worker (Harrogate) at the charity, had the idea to refer Logan for the course, believing it would be a project that he would really benefit from. Logan was happy to take part and after being referred by Linda, was accepted onto the project.
Linda also kindly gave Logan a lift to and from the fire station each day.
Linda said: “Every afternoon I went to pick him up he was so animated and proud of what he had achieved that day. It was so good to share his experience. I’m so proud of him!”
Logan added: “Linda supported me throughout the whole process and without her input and encouragement I don’t feel I would have succeeded as well and appreciate all the effort put in especially with taking me to and from the course which was out of town.”
Logan’s mum Natasha said: “I can vouch for the course, it’s worked wonders for Logan with his self-confidence, facing his fears, especially of heights, and it also gave Logan a chance to work on his social skills and working as a team with his own peer group.
“I’m grateful to Linda from Young Carers for her invaluable support throughout the whole process from application to completion as Logan attending this course will have a positive lasting effect for him.”
She added: “Logan did make new friends and overcame his social anxiety amazingly.”
Alyson Down, Youth Engagement Officer at North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, who helps co-ordinate the LIFE course, commented: “Logan was really good, he had a really positive, can-do attitude all week. He just got stuck in, nothing phased him.
“He was superb as a team player. He would pull the team together. He was a delight to work with.”
For more information about the Carers’ Resource young carers’ service, visit: www.carersresource.org/young-carers/
