The latest Prince's Trust Team Programme run by Cleveland Fire Brigade has been hailed a great success.

The project was celebrated at a special event at The Fire Escape, Redcar Community Fire Station, attended by the young people who took part, their families and guests including the Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland, Councillor Olwyn Peters.

The 12-week programme runs regularly in the Redcar and Cleveland area and is designed to help young people aged 16-25 to develop key skills including leadership, teamwork, problem solving and discipline. The team leaders also provide an insight into community safety and citizenship.

Abby Burton, Prince's Trust Team Leader with Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: "I am proud of the young people who have completed the programme, as they have all gained skills and experience in completing their Prince's Trust Team qualification.

"One young person gained full-time employment whilst with us on the course and another two have apprenticeships lined up."

Chloe Thornton, one of the young people who completed the programme, said: "I found the course to be very inspirational and I met some new people which was great because I am new to the area.

"I think it will definitely help me in the future as I am hoping to get an apprenticeship with a local beauty salon where I did my two week placement."

Throughout the 12-week programme the team is given various challenges to complete. The latest team raised almost £800 by arranging a race night plus bag packing at a local supermarket and used the money to redecorate the TOC H Coachhouse − a community hall in Saltburn − as part of a two week project.

They also helped deliver first aid training − including the British Heart Foundation's HeartStart initiative which the Brigade delivers in partnership − to people who attend Building Bridges, which helps adults with learning and physical disabilities. They also arranged coffee mornings and activities at a day centre for the elderly.

Abby added: "As well as the community projects, we also helped the team prepare CVs and job applications as well as a two week work placement.

"I would like to thank Morrisons in Redcar for allowing us to bag pack, Building Bridges and TOC H Coachhouse for supporting our community project and also Sue Corner at Sheperdson Court Sheltered Living Accommodation for supporting our team challenge. The support of local organisations is vital to the success of the programme and is much appreciated."

The next 12-week course begins in May with 15 spaces available for young people in the Redcar and Cleveland area aged 16-25.

 

For further safety information visit www.clevelandfire.gov.uk or join them on Facebook or Twitter.

 

Photo: The Prince's Trust Team members celebrate their course with a presentation. Front row: Prince's Trust Team Leader Abby Burton and team members Corey Dean, David Sapio, Chloe Thornton, Stephen Barker
Back row: Councillor Brian Briggs, Councillor Norah Cooney, Councillor George Dunning, Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland Councillor Olwyn Peters, Councillor Vic Jeffries, Cleveland Fire Brigade's Director of Business Development Gary Cawley, David Beavis, Prince's Trust Director of the North East

 

Posted April 23rd, 2012 at 0945 by Andrew. Comment by emailing: andrew.lynch@pavpub.com