Fighting fires with paper and pen [inside my journal]

When Halimè Begum made an emergency call to the fire service, the team that came to her aid changed the course of her life. This is the story of how she became part of London’s Fire Brigade, and how her paper republic journals are now helping to train the next generation of firefighters…

Why did you join the fire service?

In 2020 I was personally involved in a hazardous material incident and had to call the fire brigade. I was really impressed seeing them in action; their calm confidence, their teamwork, the way they helped everyone. They were modern day superheroes who turned a terrible day into a funny, memorable one. 

After that experience, I immediately wanted to become part of their team, so began searching for opportunities. First, I volunteered for the London Fire Brigade Museum, and then I discovered the Fire Cadet Programme. I volunteered there for a year, and then the Firefighter Cadet Coordinator role came up. I went for it and got the job. 

What does the role involve?

I work with young people: thirteen- to seventeen-year-olds. A lot of them have an interest in becoming firefighters or working for the fire service. It’s also about improving our local community. We provide a programme for young people to do something constructive and learn transferrable skills – teamwork, communication, leadership – which will help them throughout life. 

They learn all about the fire brigade and practice fire safety drills. At the end of the year we have a graduation ceremony where parents and family friends come along. It replicates what happens for firefighters in the London Fire Brigade.

The coolest thing for me is that I ended up working at the same station where the crews who attended my incident are based. One of them now helps me with technical rescue tasks. It’s a great feeling knowing I am now helping the people who helped me.

What kind of training do Fire Cadets get?

We do drills using real firefighting equipment and train for other emergency situations too. If the cadets really enjoy it and progress well, they can go through an assessment and get promoted. Some later come back to join the fire service as a career.

What’s your journal set up?

I've got four paper republic leather journals now! I started off with the petrol blue [xl] because that’s one of my favourite colours and I absolutely love it. Then I bought a cognac [a6] portfolio for my work, which is great. Then I thought: I need a bigger one! So I added a black portfolio in [a5] size. I have a customized journal one as well, a tri-fold. I absolutely love it! I'm already thinking about my next journal…

How do your paper republic journals come into your Fire Service job?

In the programme there are six terms a year. The paper book refills are perfect as I use one refill per term. I plan sessions, events, trips and I also brainstorm, for example ideas for new drills. I record my reflections from the cadet sessions; what went well, what we could improve on. When the term is over, I file the book in an archive.

My journal is also where I hold pictures and mementos. It contains a combination of my professional life, but also a little bit of my heart too; things precious to me and notes on my personal development.

What’s the most satisfying element of the job?

When I was growing up, I was a very quiet person. So I get a lot of pleasure helping young people thrive, making them feel comfortable, giving them opportunities to step up. By the end of the programme, I can see the difference it makes. A really quiet, shy kid is now commanding drills, giving orders, helping their team.

It’s especially satisfying to see cadets who have neurodiverse backgrounds or behaviour problems thrive when given the right environment. Some might be struggling in their traditional school environment, but when they come to cadets, they do hands-on drills and run around. We focus on their strengths and support them with their weaknesses, so they become well rounded individuals. It unlocks a completely new and confident side to them.

Why paper republic?

I feel like I have tried every notebook and journal out there. But I really love the paper republic leather covers and the way I can reuse them and file my old notebooks in an archive. I also love that I can use them for multiple notebooks.

For example, one with my work stuff, one with my drawing book, plain, dotted, ruled notebooks – all in one journal. With other journals, I didn't feel as organized or productive. Paper republic’s system has made my life so much easier. I love to look back over my happy memories from the last couple of years. It just makes me feel like: oh my gosh: I've done all this! 

My journal makes me feel grounded and calm and gives me inspiration. I love it. 

Why do you use pen and paper in our digital age?

I feel there's a certain art to writing things down. Sometimes when I'm coming home from work at night – a long journey on the tube – I open my journal, jot down thoughts, or plan things out. It's my way of finishing off the night. It just makes me really happy. I feel like using my journal is like doing a little therapy.

And I love stationery. I've loved it since I was young. Pens, paper, pads, notebooks and journals have always been my thing. It’s different to using an iPad or smartphone. I feel more connected. I’m actually touching the paper. I’ve got more freedom. On paper, I feel the emotions and remember the moments. There’s just more heart and soul with pen and paper.

Would you like to become a firefighter in future? 

I'm definitely keeping my options open. Five years ago, if you’d asked if I’d be working for the Fire Service, I would have said: no. But when I experienced the firefighters attending my incident, it opened my eyes to a new possibility. 

I work at multiple fire stations across London, and it's really inspiring to speak to the crews, see other female firefighters, and other hijab-wearing firefighters. It makes me feel that anything is possible.

At the moment I really enjoy my role because I love instilling confidence in these young people and watching them grow. So I'll stick to this for now.

But as for the future – who knows what it will bring?

Learn more about the London Fire Brigade Fire Cadets here or see their instagram here. 

What's inside YOUR journal? Share your story with us!

How? Email: sam@paper-republic.com with a brief summary of how you use your journal, adding 'inside my journal' to the email subject line.