Abbeycroft’s Haverhill Leisure Centre recently opened its doors to local firefighters, hosting a specialist breathing apparatus (BA) training session designed to help crews practise navigating confined spaces in low‑visibility conditions while wearing full structural PPE, BA masks and oxygen cylinders.
With Haverhill Fire Station located right next door, the partnership was a natural fit. Many firefighters already use the centre’s gym regularly to support their own health, fitness and operational readiness, making Abbeycroft a familiar and trusted environment.
During the session, firefighters used the centre’s soft play area to simulate real-life emergency scenarios, working through a series of search challenges that reflect conditions they may face during incidents such as fires, building collapses and rescues. The purpose of the exercise was to test and strengthen a range of critical operational skills, including:
The session was arranged and run by Firefighter Jason Martin from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, assisted by his colleagues in the Haverhill wholetime crew, with Haverhill On‑call firefighters taking part as wearers. The team worked in partnership with Abbeycroft staff, led by Leisure Centre Manager Ryan Strong, who supported access to the soft play facility.
Firefighter Jason Martin said: “It was extremely beneficial to have the support of our local leisure centre. A large soft play facility isn’t something we would usually have access to, so being able to train in such a unique and complex environment was invaluable. It enabled crews to apply their breathing apparatus skills and search techniques in an unfamiliar layout, really testing their experience and decision‑making in what became a challenging exercise.
“We’re very grateful to Abbeycroft for providing the opportunity to strengthen the skills we rely on to serve and protect our community, and a special thank you to Ryan Strong, the Leisure Centre Manager, whose support made the session possible.”
Abbeycroft is a not‑for‑profit organisation with a strong focus on community wellbeing, working closely with partners across West Suffolk to support health, safety and activity. Providing practical, real‑world training opportunities for the emergency services aligns closely with its values and commitment to the community.
Callum Lewis, Centre Manager at Abbeycroft’s Haverhill Leisure Centre, said: “Working in partnership with our local community is at the heart of what we do. Having the fire station next door and so many firefighters already using the centre meant this was an easy yes for us. If our facilities can help crews train for the situations they face in real emergencies, then we’re proud to play our part in supporting the people who keep our community safe.”
This training session highlights the value of strong local partnerships and the creative use of community facilities to support vital public services, helping ensure firefighters are well-equipped to serve and protect the community when needed most.
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