Phoenix Project

Last updated: 16/02/2012 Add to My Bookmarks Subscribe

Community Initiatives - The Phoenix Project

The Phoenix Project provides a unique opportunity for people to work with Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service (FRS). We provide an environment of discipline, inclusion and respect in order to promote a feeling of achievement and self worth, through a variety of mental and physical challenges at both a personal and team level.

Phoenix Project participants passing out at Truro Community Fire Station

About the Phoenix Project

The inception of the Phoenix Project started in September 2002

The aim of the Phoenix Project is to invest in Cornwall's young people, using the reputation of the FRS to benefit youngsters and in turn the wider community. It is targeted towards the 13 to 17 age group. Since September 2006, the Phoenix Project has been seconded into Children, Schools and Families (CSF) working alongside pupil referral units (PRU) within the County, Special Educational Needs (SEN), Children and Family Centres and Pencalenick School.

The Phoenix Project is an opportunity to work with the FRS, giving youngsters a variety of mental and physical activities with the aim to build team spirit and self-confidence. The principle aim of the Phoenix Project is to invest in young people. The FRS utilises the skills, experience and its reputation to address individual issues and improve community spirit and safety. Students are encouraged to develop a sense of pride and diligence in their approach to work and to acquire greater self-esteem. Phoenix courses are accredited by the Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network (ASDAN) in delivering the Wider Skills qualification 'Working with Others' Level 1.

Phoenix now offers a range of courses including a week long course, and various one day courses where students take part in activities aimed at improving self-esteem, self discipline and responsibility. This is achieved by employing fundamental FRS principals of Communication, Teamwork and Discipline

Who is Phoenix for?

The Phoenix is geared towards students between the ages of 13 -17, who have not yet fulfilled their potential.

In reality it will most benefit those young people exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics:

Low confidence and self-esteem
Young people who find difficulty in mixing or who are recognised "bullies"
Struggle to communicate verbally
Underachievers who are in danger of disengaging completely
Disaffected with the education system
In danger of being excluded from school

Phoenix Project working as a team at Truro Community Fire Station

The aims of the Phoenix Project

Increase self-esteem and self confidence
Develop leadership skills
Develop communication skills
Improve motivation
Promote community spirit within young people
Enhance employment prospects of socially excluded people
Reduce levels of anti-social behaviour and disorder related offences by young people and children
Deliver a clear community fire safety message
Promote equal opportunities within employment
Deliver and help students achieve the Wider Skills qualification: Working with Others
Improve their ability to socialise in unfamiliar environments