completed Phoenix pProhjectA group of ten people with learning disabilities will be ‘passing out’ at Truro Community Fire Station on Monday October 6 after completing a Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service Phoenix Project course.

The ten were put forward to take part in the course by Employability Cornwall, part of Cornwall Council, which helps to get adults with learning disabilities into paid employment or to be self-employed; and by United Response, and their Cornwall Supported Employment service that offers a range of work related support and opportunities to both adults and young people with learning disabilities and difficulties throughout Cornwall.

The group will celebrate completing the five day Phoenix course which saw them taking part in a range of fire service activities to promote teamwork, communication skills, raise confidence and aspirations.

Alongside this, the course includes fire and road safety advice, as well as train the trainer and presentation skills.  All participants were also given the opportunity to gain an ASDAN level one qualification in improving own learning and performance together with the HeartStart accreditation in emergency life support techniques.

Helen Cahalane, business development manager for United Response at Cornwall Supported Employment, said: “People with learning disabilities want to work, yet approximately only seven per cent of people within the UK with learning disabilities have a paid job. We also know there is strong business case for employing someone with a disability, with research showing that they make reliable employees, reduce staff turnover, boost staff morale and increase the market potential of any business.

"Working in partnership with Job Centre Plus, Phoenix and Employability Cornwall is an exciting initiative that we hope will give both businesses in Cornwall the opportunity to diversify and strengthen their workforce for competing in a discerning market of consumers. At the same time, will give people with untapped potential the opportunity to prove themselves within today’s labour market.“

Throughout the course participants had the opportunity to learn and develop transferable skills through participating in fire and rescue service drills and activities.

Paul Walker, CFRS deputy chief fire officer, said: “I am genuinely pleased that this group of people have benefitted from the established learning outcomes associated with our highly valued and accredited Phoenix Course. Working in partnership with a wide range of organisations across Cornwall, our professional and dedicated Phoenix Team are making a measurable positive difference to the lives to those participating in the programme.

"I look forward to building a stronger partnership with Employability Cornwall and United Response and I’m sure that the 10 individuals who have participated in this course have had a challenging yet rewarding experience which will help them grow in confidence.”

Geoff Brown, Cornwall Council cabinet member for homes and communities, said:  “The courses delivered by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service through the Phoenix Project are an excellent example of how, by working with partners we can really make a difference to the lives of individuals. I am encouraged to see how the Phoenix team is able to use the work and reputation of the fire and rescue service to help this group of people develop useful new skills.”