Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

n/a at 14/02/2003 14:00

Eleven girls, nine from Camborne School and Community College, one from Pool School and one from Education out of School, Penzance, completed the Phoenix Project Course on Friday the 14th February.

The eleven girls were assigned to the course to establish self confidence and self esteem. Over the one week course the group were faced with a variety of mental and physical activities including first aid and manual handling training.

The Phoenix Project was established in September 2002 in partnership with the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund. The aim of the project is to invest in young people, using the reputation of the brigade to benefit youngsters and in turn the community. It is targeted towards the 13 to 17 age group as well as working with the Cornwall County Fire Brigade’s Fire Awareness Child Education (FACE) scheme.

Funding of £200,000 was received via the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund in conjunction with Cornwall County Council for the Phoenix Project.

Project Leader Jack Aitken explains: “The Project aims to promote community spirit within young people, enhance the employment prospects of socially excluded people and to deliver a clear community fire safety message to young people of Cornwall in contact with other agencies such as Connexions”

He continued: “The group of girls we had last week were the best team we have had on the course. They showed enthusiasm, determination and excellent team work skills. Watching the group marching and carrying out drills in the passing out parade on Friday, made their parents and I feel extremely proud”.
On Friday before the passing out parade GMO cars officially donated a Seat Van to the Phoenix Project in recognition of the fantastic work they are achieving with the children of Cornwall. The gift will be sponsored by the car firm, including its maintenance and fuel bills. This is worth over £1500 a year to the project.

The van will be used to move equipment between the venues and to assist the projects partners ‘the fearless theatre group’ with moving their stage equipment and props

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/fire/Youth/phoenix.htm