The visit that could save your life
Put yourself into the shoes of a firefighter, experience the real fire and rescue service and learn to save lives
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A VISIT FOR YOUR SCHOOL
Located in Bury, Greater Manchester, at the largest Fire-Fighter training facility in the UK, is a purpose built Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Training and Safety Centre. Designed to inform visitors of all ages about how to protect themselves against fire and other dangers.
'The visit that could save your life' will introduce you to the work of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and allow you to experience our impressive immersive theatre, which will provoke your senses with the smell of smoke, the heat of fire and the sound of sirens to put you at the heart of the action.
The visit that could save your life
The new Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Training and Safety Centre, located in Bury, not only serves to deliver realistic training to our firefighters, it offers a FREE interactive learning opportunity to all schools and communities.
It will provide a curriculum enhancing, immersive and interactive learning environment that supports the work of schools and emergency services, but also shows visitors how to protect themselves against fire and other dangers and what to do in an emergency.
'The visit that could save your life' will introduce you to the work of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and allow you to experience our impressive immersive theatre, which will provoke your senses with the smell of smoke, the heat of a fire and the sound of the sirens to put you at the heart of the action.
In our Emergency Control Room you can listen to 999 calls.
Our Survival Academy enables everyone to learn how to respond to an unresponsive, breathing casualty and put them in the recovery position before dialling 999.
In the street your help will be enlisted to investigate a simulated road traffic collision scene, before going in to the full size firehouse to spot potential risks and test if you will be able to escape the fire?
When training is taking place, visitors will also be able to gain an insight in to the work GMFRS do at incidents, as they watch live operational training from the viewing gallery and during guided tours of the site.
See Group Bookings tab for session times and further information.
Not a KS1 or KS2 School Group? Don't miss out, register here to tell us about your group and to be kept informed as our educational and events programme develops.
Meet, learn, share
The facilities and flexibility that the Safety Centre offers means that there are endless opportunities in how the site can be used to engage with the community, deliver experiential learning courses or simply utilise it for a social meeting point. Contact us for further information: safetycentre@manchesterfire.gov.uk
We're now taking bookings for KS2 School Groups (8 to 11 year-olds) to visit the Safety Centre from April 2017.
Monday to Friday
Morning visit 10:00 - 12:00
Afternoon visit 12:30 - 14:30
Full day 10:00 - 14:30
KS1 (6 - 8 year olds) visits are now available, please contact the centre for more information. We recommend a morning visit for these ages.
We're flexible.
These are our standard school session times, but if you have other requirements, please contact us to discuss what we can do for you: safetycentre@manchesterfire.gov.uk
Meet, learn, share
The facilities and flexibility that the Safety Centre offers means that there are endless opportunities in how the site can be used to engage with the community, deliver experiential learning courses or simply utilise it for social meeting point. Contact us for further information: safetycentre@manchesterfire.gov.uk
Schools/teachers
Facilitated Key Stage 2 (ages 8 – 11) school bookings are now being taken for groups of up to 60 learners for April 2017 onwards.
Get your pupils learning outside the classroom, working together, investigating and exploring, in GMFRS’ training and safety centre.
The visitor journey will take your learners through the eyes of a firefighter, taking on the role of GMFRS recruits the participants will experience a 999 control centre, respond to a road traffic collision, carry out a safe and well check, learn about the recovery position for an unresponsive casualty, investigate fires and many more exciting activities!
Our teacher and learner resources are designed to reinforce key safety messages whilst working towards National Curriculum outcomes. The visit and resources are designed to encourage learner’s current and future moral, cultural, mental and physical development. At GMFRS we aim to prepare all learners for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life, promoting the development of knowledge, understanding and skills they need to be educated citizens.’
We're working on education resources to enhance school group visits and support class room activities.
If you have any suggestions or special requirements please email us. safetycentre@manchesterfire.gov.uk
Group information
Group size of 10 – 60 learners.
Our adult to child ratio for KS2 group visits are 1:10, groups are asked to make sure that there are enough accompanying adults on the day, you can bring more adults to meet your own school's requirements.
All group visits must be booked a minimum of two weeks in advance
Cancellations must be made a minimum of one week in advance.
Sessions
Full and half day sessions are available Monday to Friday term time.*
Morning half day 10am - 12.00pm
Afternoon half day 12.30pm - 2.30pm
Full day 10am – 2.30pm
Half-day session outcomes:
· Identify and reduce fire safety risks in the home
· Plan and implement an escape route
· Learn how to put an unresponsive, breathing casualty into the recovery position.
· How to make an emergency 999 call
· Know what to do if your clothes catch fire
Full day session outcomes:
· All elements from the half-day session
· Learn about hoax calls, attacks on firefighters and the consequences
· Explore contributory factors of road traffic collisions
· Discuss seasonal safety messages
· Introduction to basic fire science
Not a KS2 School Group? Don't miss out!
We have launched a Facilitated Key stage 1 visit aimed at 6 and 8 year olds. If you want to be one of the first schools to experience our key Stage 1 visit please contact the centre on safetycentre@manchesterfire.gov.uk for more information or bookings.
Group size max 45 children
Our learning journey is designed to be accessible to all learners. Most of our activities can be adapted to meet any educational or access needs a group may have. Please contact us before booking to discuss your requirements. Email: safetycentre@manchesterfire.gov.uk
*We will try our best to be flexible with session times, so please enquire for availability for earlier or later start times. Email: safetycentre@manchesterfire.gov.uk for further information.
Meet, learn, share
If we have not got a package that suits your needs please Register your interest and help us to develop programmes that meet your needs and keep up to date on new educational visit programmes, special events and activities.
The facilities and flexibility that the Safety Centre offers means that there are endless opportunities in how the site can be used to engage with the community, deliver experiential learning courses or simply utilise it for social meeting point. Contact us for further information: safetycentre@manchesterfire.gov.uk
Facilities and accessibility information
Bring your packed lunch
There is seating inside and outside at the Safety Centre, so visitors can bring a packed lunch. We are also working on being able to offer food and beverages in the future from our café. In the mean time we have some vending machines.
If you are part of a large group, let us know so we can reserve some seats for you.
Gift shop
Whether it is pocket money for fire helmets and safety stickers, or super scale fire engines, our shop has something for everyone to take away as a memento of their visit.
Meeting and learning areaThe facilities and flexibility that the Safety Centre offers means that there are endless opportunities in how the site can be used to engage with the community, deliver experiential learning courses or simply utilise it for social meeting point. Contact us for further information: safetycentre@manchesterfire.gov.uk
Click the map to enlarge it
Who's it for?
Bookings now being taken for Key stage one (age 6) and Key Stage 2 School Group Visits for April 2017 onwards
The facilities and flexibility that the Safety Centre offers means that there are endless opportunities in how the site can be used to engage with the community, deliver experiential learning courses or simply utilise it for a social meeting point. Contact us for further information: safetycentre@manchesterfire.gov.uk
How to book
For Key stage 1 visits please contact the centre safetycentre@manchesterfire.gov.uk
For Key Stage 2 School Group Visits Book Now!
To enquire about using the site for other groups contact us safetycentre@manchesterfire.gov.uk
How much does it cost?
School visits are free!
Contact us to discuss using the site for other groups.
What to wear
Some of the activities may involve some physical activities, so please wear appropriate clothing and foot wear. Trousers and flat shoes recommended.
There may also be the opportunity to go outside and watch some of our operational training so visitors are asked to make sure that everyone brings suitable footwear and a coat in case of bad weather.
Be aware
To enhance the visitor experience, the GMFRS Training and Safety Centre uses flashing lights along with heat and scent cannons which may affect some people. Please be aware that the simulated fire scenes and 999 calls are based on real events and may be upsetting for some visitors. Due to the purpose of the site, there may be props in public areas, please take care where you walk.
Email: safetycentre@manchesterfire.gov.uk
Contact Centre: 0161 603 4620
Post: GMFRS Training and Safety Centre, Hinds Lane, Bury, BL8 2GN
What’s going on at Training & Safety Centre?
December was a busy time for us at the Training and Safety Centre; here we share with you some highlights.
Mayoral visit
At the start of the month, Mayor Andy Burnham visited us. Andy had been travelling around to the different stations in GMFRS for question and answer sessions surrounding the service wide review. It was an excellent chance for staff to share their views, opinions and ask any questions in an open forum.
Winter Wellbeing
Rumworth Special School joined us for our first Winter Wellbeing event on 14th December. The young people were lead around the centre, learning different ways to stay safe and well. They worked together to perform a safe and well visit in a home, finding lots of hazards and learning escape plans. Afterwards, we all headed to the café where we met a group of firefighters who answered many interesting questions, demonstrated the equipment and then joined us for mince pies and bingo.
Addiction Dependency Solutions then joined us on 18th December for a performance, cake and carols. The performance showed many issues that are prevalent in winter. Some of the main issues we focused on were homelessness, debt, loneliness and caring for people in the community. To show these we included scenes that showed a person who was homeless taken somewhere to get food and a bed. In addition, we looked through a window to a ‘perfect’ family scenario before going into the home and seeing the money troubles that hid behind the smiles. To end the day we gave the guests a chance to make a pledge this Christmas to either: offer advice to anyone in need, help the homeless, take care of themselves, or visit an elderly neighbour. A massive thank you to everyone who helped with these two winter events, including the different services who were there for anyone seeking advice around these issues.
Passing Out 2018
On 20th December, we celebrated the last Passing Out Parade of 2018 with our 55 recruits, following an intensive 13-week operational training course. The event celebrates the recruits’ achievements with a warm welcome to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS). The trainee firefighters showed off their skills, giving demonstrations on how we use the latest technology to save lives. A variety of scenarios took place on the training yard including extinguishing fires, rescue of a person and CPR. It was lovely to have you at the Training and Safety Centre; we hope you have a very happy and successful career at GMFRS. Congratulations to you all!
Recently, Bury Training and Safety Centre hosted an afternoon to remember for 13 year old Rhys Williams who suffers from a rare skin condition called Epidermolysis Bullosa.
After hearing about his love of the fire service, the staff devised a special visit for Rhys, his family and some of his friends.
After a quick ride out in one of our fire engines, Rhys attended a persons reported incident at Bury Training Centre, and got to see close up exactly what it is like to be a firefighter.
Rhys and his guests took a special private tour of our State of the art Safety Centre, followed by a game of bingo and a party (which were listed on Rhys’s bucket list!) A great afternoon was had by all, and we all really enjoyed meeting Rhys and his family.
GMFRS Training and Safety Centre, Hinds Lane, Bury, BL8 2GN
Walking:
The GMFRS Training and Safety Centre is approximately a 15 minute walk from the Bury Interchange. The most direct route is via a footpath from Bridge Road; once you pass the High School buildings on your left, take the left fork of the path down the hill to access the pedestrian bridge to the Centre (not the right fork up onto the viaduct).
Alternatively, you can stay walking on the main road – Jubilee Way/ Bolton Road, away from The Rock in Bury. When you walk past the Domino’s take the next left down Arthur Street and follow the road all the way down. You will pass the security lodge, carry walking down and take the next left to our main entrance. You can press the button to reception and someone will open the gate.
Plan your walking journey: https://tfgm.com/walking
Cycling:
There is plenty of cycle parking outside the main entrance. NCN6 passes over the viaduct outside the Centre; to access the Centre, take the fork of the path from the viaduct on the east side of the Irwell to access the pedestrian bridge over the river to the Centre.
Plan your cycle journey: https://tfgm.com/cycling/plan-a-journey
Public Transport:
Bury Interchange is accessible by Metrolink and bus.
Buses from Bury Interchange: The numbers 91, 98 and 471 from Bury Interchange will take you to Bolton Road. Get off outside Millercare, walk a few paces up to Arthur Street which leads to Wellington Street, turn right on Wellington Street and keep walking until you go under the old railway bridge and double back under the next arch to gain access to the site.
Driving:
There is a car park and space for three coaches.
By road from the M66: Leave the M66 at Junction 2, follow the signs to the centre of Bury, then A58, Bolton Rd, towards Bolton, turn left in to Arthur Street at the lights, continue to Wellington Street, turn right and continue under the Railway Bridge, double back under the next arch to access the car park. Postcode BL8 2GN (Sat Nav use BL8 2AL), but continue to the end of the road underneath the railway arches.
