Is it possible to scale safety in community care work? David Esselman, from the Fireside Project, says yes, with thoughtful AI tools designed for education, not replacement.

What Is Lucy and What Makes It Different?

Lucy is an AI training assistant created by the Fireside Project to help future peer support volunteers prepare for emotionally complex moments. It focuses on trauma‑informed listening and encourages reflective practice rather than offering directive advice.

Why Is AI Even Involved in Support Training?

There’s a growing gap between demand for safe, trained guides and the availability of experienced facilitators. Tools like Lucy help trainees practice responses and refine skills in a controlled environment before working with real participants.

Isn’t This Risky?

David addresses this directly: Lucy does not give therapeutic advice or replace human judgment. It’s a rehearsal space — a consistent, safe place to practice listening, pacing, and ethical reflection.

Why This Matters

As community‑based support grows, so does the need for ethical training models. Thoughtful use of AI may help scale the quality of training without compromising the human values at the heart of support work.