Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 29/04/2008 10:47

Nine male students aged 14 from Humphry Davy School in Penzance will be ‘passing out’ this Friday at Penzance Fire Station. The official passing out parade is to commemorate the work the students have completed this week on ‘The Phoenix Project’.

The Phoenix Project has been run by the Brigade since 2002 and works on improving young people’s motivation, self-confidence and community spirit. The students from Humphry Davy School enjoyed using the challenging fire fighting activities to learn how to work as a team.

Tim Cocks, Phoenix Project Manager said: “The Phoenix Project is about investing in young people. Cornwall County Fire Brigade is able to use its reputation and position of authority and respect within the community to address individual issues and improve community spirit and safety. The students from Humphry Davy were very enthusiastic and worked extremely hard to succeed in their teamwork.”

The Phoenix Project is a Cornwall wide initiative geared towards students between the ages of 13 -17, who may have not yet fulfilled their potential. The aims of the Phoenix Project are to:

§ Increase self-esteem and self confidence

§ Develop leadership skills

§ Develop communication skills

§ Improve motivation

§ Promote community spirit within young people

§ Enhance employment prospects of socially excluded people

§ Reduce levels of anti-social behaviour and disorder related offences by young people and children

§ Deliver a clear community fire safety message

§ Promote equal opportunities within employment

“It’s great to see young people who may otherwise at times feel excluded gain a sense of achievement and confidence. We are proud to use our credentials as a well respected and highly visible service in the county in this way.” said Chief Fire Officer Matt Littmoden.

Councillor Ken Yeo (Lib Dem), Executive Member for Public Protection added: “The continued success of the Phoenix project under the leadership of Tim Cocks is life changing for the young people who take part. My congratulations to Tim and the team for the wonderful service provided.”

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