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West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service are giving their full support to an innovative stage play aimed at 12 to 13 year olds about the devastating effects of arson called, 'Arson About'.

In its continued drive to tackle arson, the Arson Task Force is working together with the Southampton based Stopwatch Theatre Company, to deliver a serious message to teenagers in schools throughout the county.

The 45-minute drama production, focuses on the impact and consequences of arson, tackling the difficult issue of peer pressure. Using vibrant music and modern language, the play communicates directly and effectively to its target audience.
These messages are reinforced by a 30-minute interactive workshop immediately afterwards, where young people are encouraged to challenge ways of thinking.

Arson Reduction Co-ordinator, Kathy John said 'The success of this Schools Tour has highlighted the need to offer initiatives such as this to all students in Year 8. Pupils, teachers and Fire Service personnel alike have received the performance with great enthusiasm. I very much hope that we will be able to bring this production back into West Sussex in the near future.'

In recent months, West Sussex schools have experienced a significant number of fires, highlighting the need for creative, educational interventions, targeting large numbers of young people across the county. With the production company capable of 2 performances a day, at a cost of approximately £2 per pupil, up to 2000 young people will have benefited from this new, creative and cost effective way of addressing youth issues within just one week.