Nineteen people have celebrated completing the first Who Dares Works course held at the Lescudjack Centre in Penzance, as part of a programme funded by the Big Lottery Fund and the European Social Fund.

Since April, participants have taken part in workshops on money management; cooking and wellbeing from the Cornwall Food Foundation, and team work and confidence building from the Active Plus Military Veterans. Supported by mentors from Pentreath and Addaction, all are now ready to take the next steps into work related activity and further support within Who Dares Works.

James Hooker, one of the course graduates, said: “I have really enjoyed the course, everyone has been so supportive. It has helped me boost my confidence and team working skills and I am now looking forward to my next steps with the project, undertaking work experience in my chosen field of finance and accountancy.”

Mark Lane, an Active Plus instructor, said: “In Active Plus we know that everyone has potential and it is great to see how people benefit from the team work and confidence building in our courses. The experiences and skills of military veterans, both in the forces and as civilians, help people to help themselves through helping others.”

Sandra Rothwell, chief executive of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved, this is a fantastic achievement. Who Dares Works is a really important project which is part of a programme of investment helping people towards and into employment.”

Carolyn Webster, project manager for Who Dares Works, added: “I would like to thank the Active Plus team, the project mentors and all of our great partners who have contributed to the success of the project to date. Also huge congratulations to the first group of participants who stepped up to join in and who have been absolutely brilliant.”

The Who Dares Works project is continuing with opportunities in Helston, Hayle, Penzance and St Just in the coming months. Further courses are planned for St Ives and Newlyn later in the year. If you live in West Cornwall, are over 18, not working and looking for support, contact Who Dares Works on 01872300326 or email whodaresworks@activeplus.org.uk.