Blackburn Open Day
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Join us at Blackburn Fire Station for our Open Day on Sunday 23rd August, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.Face paintingFood stallsRaffle and tombola with great prizesBurn displa...
Language Name Badges Helping Break Barriers at LFRS
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) has introduced multilingual name badges for staff as part of a new initiative to strengthen community engagement, celebrate diversity, and improve communication with the people we serve.
Staff can now choose to display additional languages they speak—such as Urdu or British Sign Language (BSL)—on their name badge, alongside their name and role. This helps members of the public feel more confident and included when interacting with firefighters and safety advisors, particularly during important conversations around fire safety and prevention.
Why the Initiative Matters
Station Manager Dave Curran, who introduced the initiative, said:
“I introduced the language name badges to help us engage better with all our communities across Lancashire. I want our people to feel proud of their multilingual skills and to feel they can bring more of themselves to work every day.
It’s about breaking down communication barriers and showing that Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is truly at the heart of every community we serve.”
The Impact So Far
Kelly, a Community Safety Team Leader, is one of several staff who now wear a badge indicating her ability to use British Sign Language:
“It not only brings a smile but often breaks down barriers, creating meaningful dialogue. It helps those who use BSL feel more comfortable and confident to engage with us—especially around important topics like fire safety.”
Farzana, a Community Fire Safety Advisor, added:
“It sends a clear message that LFRS values inclusivity and is committed to meeting the needs of all individuals, regardless of their language. It creates smoother interactions, builds trust and confidence, and helps the public feel welcome.”
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is proud to reflect the rich diversity of the communities it serves. By recognising the strengths our staff bring beyond their job titles, and by connecting more deeply with the communities we serve, LFRS continues to deliver on its mission: making Lancashire safer for everyone.
