Ten firefighters from across Britain secured funding in May 2025 to attend the Kickstart Programme at Marine Court, Littlehampton. The funding, provided by the Friends of Serve and Protect Community Fund, supported their participation in the Fire Fighters Charity’s residential programme.
The Fire Fighters Charity's Kickstart Programme
The Fire Fighters Charity is dedicated to supporting the UK fire service community, offering clinical care and wellbeing services. Their focus is on improving physical, emotional, and social health. They help firefighters recover from injuries, manage ill-health, and adjust to life after service roles.
One key way the charity delivers support is through residential programmes at their three specialist centres. The Kickstart Programme, a 5-day initiative, helps participants make positive changes to their health and fitness. It’s tailored for those who want to:
- Build healthier routines,
- Break unhealthy habits,
- Improve fitness and diet,
- Receive support after injury or ill-health, or
- Lower the risk of long-term health conditions.
This programme provides a supportive atmosphere for participants. They stay in catered accommodation and enjoy access to fully equipped gyms and swimming pools. The schedule includes a mini health MOT, group fitness sessions, one-to-one guidance, and exercise therapy. These elements come together to ensure firefighters recover, build resilience, and gain confidence for their return to work.
Funding 10 firefighters through Friends of Serve and Protect
Serve and Protect Credit Union has proudly supported the Fire Fighters Charity for many years. This partnership began when the charity became the dedicated fire and rescue service charity for the Friends of Serve and Protect Lottery in 2023. During the credit union’s 2023 Play and Give Challenge, members also raised £1,000 for the charity by exercising together.
Continuing its commitment to community support, Friends of Serve and Protect launched the Community Fund in 2024. This initiative provides funding to projects within police, prison, military, fire, and health services across Britain. Serve and Protect members can apply for grants to support initiatives that benefit the wider Serve and Protect family.
When the chance to support the 2025 calendar for The Fire Fighters Charity’s Kickstart Programme came up, Friends of Serve and Protect eagerly embraced the opportunity. With a grant of £10,000 from the Community Fund, they covered the costs for 10 firefighters to attend the May residential programme at Marine Court in West Sussex, ensuring these heroes receive the support they need.
Who are Serve and Protect Credit Union?
Now one of Britain’s largest credit unions, Serve and Protect offers tailored financial support to those who dedicate their lives to helping others. Founded in 2003 to help police officers save and borrow responsibly, the credit union expanded its membership to include the fire and rescue service in 2020. Since then, Serve and Protect has partnered with fire and rescue services across Britain, supporting employees with tools to manage their finances responsibly.
As a not-for-profit cooperative, Serve and Protect focuses on improving its members’ financial resilience. Savings are deducted automatically through payroll, making it simple to build a safety net. For times when savings aren’t enough, affordable personal loans are available, reducing reliance on high-interest or costly alternatives.
Apply for funding for your community initiative
Are you working on a project or community initiative that supports the police, prison and probation, military, fire and rescue, or healthcare services? If you’re a member of Serve and Protect Credit Union, you can apply for the Friends of Serve and Protect Community Fund.
Want to know more about the Community Fund and how to apply? Click below to learn more.
