Teens to 'pass out' at Truro Fire Station (From Falmouth Packet)

Teens to 'pass out' at Truro Fire Station

7:00am Wednesday 13th March 2013 in News

A group of teenagers from around Cornwall will be ‘passing out’ this Friday at a ceremony at Truro Community Fire Station.

The official passing out parade will mark the culmination of the group’s learning after a five day Phoenix Project course. 

The group, aged between 12 and 15 years old, were referred to Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service by the charity Action for Children who helped develop a programme to improve the group’s teamwork and communication skills, as well as raise confidence and aspirations.

Rosie Foster, children’s services manager for Action for Children, said: "We are delighted to be working with Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service on the first in a series of courses designed to support children, young people and families.

"The course aims to provide support to young people who are experiencing some challenges in different aspects of their lives from time to time.

"We are looking forward to further developing our partnership with the fire service throughout the coming year to benefit more young people and their families.”

Run by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service since 2002, the Phoenix Project sees local firefighters give young people a taste of firefighting and its traditions through hose running, wearing breathing apparatus and marching, as well as experience in problem solving, teamwork, life skills and fire safety.

All those who take part in the course are given the opportunity to gain an ASDAN (Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network) qualification.

Dave Pilling, Phoenix project manager, said: “Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and the Phoenix team are extremely pleased and excited for the opportunity to be working with Action for Children.

"It once again demonstrates how the project is evolving into new areas of work, and engaging with new partners to deliver our courses to help children achieve more.

"We are committed to developing skills for every child and these young people from Action for Children have shown great enthusiasm in all aspects of the course.

"As a fire service, we are able to use our reputation and position of authority and respect within the community to hone young people’s team work, communication and leadership skills.

"These young people have worked extremely hard to gain their Phoenix Project certificate and ASDAN qualification."