The DVD is divided into four short sections to encourage interactive Q&A sessions throughout. It explains what to do in a fire and more importantly how to prevent a fire occurring in the first place, as well as what to expect from a home safety visit from the Fire Service. One of the unique aspects of this professional film is all the cast have a learning disability so it is delivered from their perspective.

Dave Evans from Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service and Jill Singh from Plymouth People First, Self-Advocacy Project Officer recently presented the Fire 999 DVD to North Somerset People First and their members.

Jill explained: “Plymouth People First are very proud of Fire 999 and are thrilled that other People First groups will benefit from its safety messages. We are also pleased that it is acting as a catalyst; encouraging community safety teams across the country to engage with vulnerable and hidden groups.”

Michelle Burnett, Chief Executive, from North Somerset People First said: “What we do as an organisation is very similar I believe to Plymouth People First.  We heard about the 999 Fire DVD when Dave Evans contacted us and as an organisation anything that we think of will be a benefit for our members, we are keen to be involved with and learn more.

“The core aim of our role is to make sure that people with a learning disability have a voice. So they are given the opportunity to tell us about the services they receive, not just social, but health, housing, using the buses anything that impacts on their lives.

“Fire safety is another element for them to become aware of and understand how they can keep themselves safe in their own home. The whole point of this unique DVD is it gives us a opportunity to listen, learn and discuss together in an interactive space.

“It’s important for our members to understand about fire safety but we also intend to promote the 999 DVD within our local Avon Fire & Rescue Service.

“We would like to work in partnership with them and offer training so when they deliver a home fire safety visit to a person with learning disabilities they are more informed how best to communicate with them.

“It’s no good just putting in a smoke alarm and leaving if the person receiving it doesn’t understand how to check it and why. They would also need to know what it sounds like and what to do if it does go off.

“These are all things many of us take for granted but someone with learning disabilities will need to have that extra information and most importantly we need to be certain they have understood. So this means being diverse in the way we communicate.”

Fire 999 DVD

The DVD is being widely used in Plymouth to deliver fire safety training to adults with learning disabilities. It is being used within Nottingham Fire and Rescue Service and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue have been sent a copy for evaluation.

Several presentations are planned in Cornwall over the next few months as well as being invited to present at the South West Forum’s next meeting - an organisation which support vulnerable communities all over the South West.