A group of seven young people aged between 16 and 25 years old who are not in employment, education or training (NEETS), celebrated on the 6th of September at New County Hall after completing a 12 week Prince’s Trust TEAM programme in Truro.
As part of the personal development course, the team completed a community project which saw them create a sensory garden for pupils at Three Bridges School.
The group also took part in team building activities and challenges, a week-long action packed residential trip, gained nationally recognised qualifications and received advice on how to write a CV.
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and the Prince’s Trust TEAM programme aims to help young people develop the skills and confidence to move into employment, education, training, volunteering or apprenticeships. The courses are run in partnership with and funded by Cornwall Council’s Adult Education service.
Station Manager Dave Pilling from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are delighted to be able to work with The Prince’s Trust to deliver this very worthwhile programme. Too many young people feel they don’t have any skills and talents, and feel they’ll never amount to anything. The Team programme really does help them to turn their lives around; helping them into work, education or training, furthermore taking part in Team does not affect their benefits”.
Cornwall Council cabinet member for communities Geoff Brown said: “Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service has been extremely successful in helping young people from many areas and backgrounds. This initiative in partnership with The Prince’s Trust is to be applauded. It’s great to see how our fire service can help these young people learn how to become better communicators and leaders as they grow in confidence and, in some cases, turn their lives around.”
The team was led by Samantha Spooner and assisted by our Prince’s Trust apprentice, Megan Williams. This was Megans’ last team before leaving Phoenix to pursue further training at university and we wish her the best of luck!