Beyond frontline firefighting and emergency response, Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is working to connect with everyone in the community to remove potential barriers and keep people safe.

Everyone deserves to have equal access to services that help keep them from harm, and a vital part of KFRS’ work is about engaging with underrepresented groups to provide education and support.

Steve Burwell, KFRS Group Manager for Collaboration, Engagement and Customer Safety, said: “We want to keep everyone in Kent and Medway safe and we’re committed to reaching people who perhaps wouldn’t access our services as easily as others.

“This could be due to language barriers, cultural or religious practices, or those without access to the internet or other forms of communication.  

“Sometimes people who aren’t so familiar with our work can be hesitant, but with a friendly approach, and the right education, information, and support, we’re able to create fantastic and trusting networks.”

While the work of KFRS’ collaboration team is dedicated to building strong networks with communities to provide support and safety information, the whole organisation is focused on treating people as individuals.

Steve added: “We value people’s difference; our identities, how we think, our skills and the life experiences that make us who we are. Supporting and encouraging our people to grow, thrive and be themselves goes to the heart of who we are and what we do.

“Valuing our differences internally at KFRS, supports us to understand and look after our customers even more.”

If your community group would benefit from finding out more about the variety of services offered by KFRS, contact the team today.