A celebration was held to celebrate that 58 young people from Fenland have been helped by the Prince’s Trust Team programme since its launch a year ago.
The personal development programme for 16 to 25 year olds sees young people complete a 12-week course to increase confidence, motivation and skills.
Each group works closely with the fire crew at Wisbech Fire Station, where the most recent team finished their course.
Station commander Paul Clarke said: “The Prince’s Trust has been an incredible initiative to be involved with. The scheme is very challenging for the young people, mentors and fire crews alike. However, if anyone had any doubt as to the value of the scheme, the final pass out event of all the teams would allay those doubts.
“Listening to the testimonies of the young people and the positive impact the scheme has had on their lives is nothing short of inspirational.
“As an organisation we remain committed to supporting schemes such as the Prince’s Trust and continue to play our part supporting young people as they turn their lives around.”
Delivered by Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and run in partnership with Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, Cambridgeshire Constabulary and the College of West Anglia, the programme has resulted in 16 young people securing employment and 12 taking up further education.
Young people take part in teambuilding activities, work placements, careers advice and support, presentation skills and team challenges, and complete a week-long residential stay at Grafham Water.
Steve Lucas, team leader, said: “Working with such a wide range of young people always has its challenges but this programme is designed to reach out, engage and educate those young people who may otherwise be left struggling or not helped to develop their full potential. It’s heart-warming to know so many of our Fenland Team have gone on to do well.”
SUCCESS STORIES
Twenty-five-year-old Gavin Horsley took part in the third Fenland team. The programme gave him the confidence to get involved in volunteering and he is now in employment. He said: “The Prince’s Trust helped me rediscover confidence and brought out more of me that I didn’t know even existed. Since leaving the programme I have done some volunteering work with the Ferry Project in Wisbech. I am now employed as a kitchen assistant, which is very rewarding.”
Teenager Trixie Swiderek was a member of Fenland’s first Prince’s Trust team. Not only has she since been able to secure employment, she is looking forward to going back into education in September to study graphics at the College of West Anglia and also volunteers with the Prince’s Trust. The 18-year-old commented: “The programme had a big impact, helping to increase my confidence and bring me out of my shell. All the work done in week nine of the course helped me with CVs and cover letters which I believe helped me get the job I have now.”
Jessica Warby, 21, hopes to go on to get an IT apprenticeship. She said: “The Prince’s Trust has helped me develop skills so I can get a better job. I certainly wouldn’t have thought of applying for an IT apprenticeship if not for the help of the Prince’s Trust.”
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