Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 03/02/2010 10:54

Seven students from Restormel Pupil Referral Unit will ‘pass out’ on Friday 5 February at 12.45pm at St Austell Community Fire Station.

The official passing out parade is to commemorate the completion of five days of practical activities undertaken as part of Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service’s Phoenix Project.

The Phoenix Project has been run by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service since 2002 and enhances young people’s self-confidence, communication skills and community spirit.

Tim Cocks, Phoenix Project Manager said: “The fire service commits itself to developing skills for every child and these young people from Restormel PRU have shown great enthusiasm participating in all aspects of the course. We continue to use the Phoenix Project to invest in young people across Cornwall using our five day courses. The fire service is able to use its reputation and position of authority and respect within the community to hone young people’s team work, communication and leadership skills. The students from Restormel PRU have worked extremely hard to succeed and gain their ASDAN qualification.”

The Phoenix Project is a Cornwall wide initiative geared towards students between the ages of 13 -17. To gain their certificates the students are given training in hose running, marching, wearing breathing apparatus (BA), life skills and problem solving with the aim of building confidence and self esteem, raise aspirations and improve teamwork and communication skills.

“It’s great to see yet more young people learn not only how to become better communicators and leaders but to learn a very important fire safety message at the same time” said Chief Fire Officer Des Tidbury.

“Initiatives such as Phoenix and Supporting Community Values help us to achieve safer communities from the ground up, which is the principal aim of the service.” said Lance Kennedy, Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for stronger communities.

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Note to editors

The Project is delivered throughout Cornwall. For more information please contact Tim Cocks at Falmouth Fire Station 01326 212412.

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=7399