Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 10/02/2011 13:53

Ten ex-offenders will be ‘passing out’ on Thursday 17 at St Austell Community Fire Station. The official passing out parade is to commemorate the work the students have completed over the last 5 weeks on ‘The Fireworks Project’.

The Fireworks Project has been run by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service in partnership with Devon and Cornwall Probation Trust since 2009 and enhances ex-offenders self-confidence, communication skills and employability to help in reducing the risk of re-offending and so the cost to society.

Tim Cocks, Fireworks Project Manager said: “Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service commits itself to developing skills for every child and these ex-offenders serving their community sentences with Devon and Cornwall Probation Trust have shown great enthusiasm participating in all aspects of the course. We continue to use the Fireworks Project to invest in ex-offenders 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 people’s team work, communication and leadership skills. The ex offenders from Devon and Cornwall Probation Trust have worked extremely hard to succeed and gain their Fireworks Project certificate and ASDAN qualification.”

The Fireworks Project is a Cornwall wide initiative geared towards ex-offenders between the ages of 19 -65. To gain their certificates the ex-offenders 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 people learn not only how to become better communicators and leaders but to learn a very important fire safety message at the same time. Initiatives such as Fireworks and Supporting Community Values help us to achieve safer communities from the ground up, which is the principal aim of the service.” said Chief Fire Officer Des Tidbury.

St Austell based probation worker Tim Fildes says: “The benefits of this course include a safer and improved community due to a reduction in re offending rates. As a result of the course the ex offenders have raised aspirations and greater self esteem, meaning that they are less likely to offend and have better qualifications and job prospects.”

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=24485