A pioneering course has been giving participants insights into working for the fire and other emergency services.

Who Dares Serves is a week-long, multi-agency course giving people an introduction into working with Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service and a host of public services from across the South West.

The participants of the latest course have attended a passing out parade today (17 May, 2019) at Helston Community Fire Station.

Focussing on a taster into each public service, the course gives an idea of the breadth of skills it takes for each to operate and how individuals can be involved within these services.

Who Dares Serves is a one of a range of innovative work-related options within the 'Who Dares Works' project, funded by the European Social Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund and led by award-winning Community Interest Company, Active Plus.

The official passing out parade marks the culmination of the group's learning over the five days. During the ceremony, held in front of family and friends, the group will showcase techniques demonstrated throughout the week, including hose running and first aid.

Who Dares Serves is led by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service who have been running the Phoenix Project since 2002 to enhance self-confidence, communication skills and community spirit.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Mark Hewitt said: "Cornwall Fire Rescue and Community Safety Service commits itself to developing skills for members of the local community. Our course staff are supportive, inspiring and passionate about what we do, therefore we create an inclusive learning environment for course attendees to realise their potential and ambitions. The participants on this course have worked extremely hard throughout this week to succeed and we are very proud to be able to work in partnership with Cornwall College."

Carolyn Webster, Project Manager for Who Dares Works, said: "It is great to see public services coming together to deliver this course. We know from the feedback from previous courses how positive the impact is with comments such as 'this has been such a massive boost for my personal confidence.

"The project as a whole has already supported over 700 people in west Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, helping motivate and inspire people into taking the next steps towards training and work."

Councillor Sue James, Cornwall Council Portfolio Holder for the Environment and Public Protection, said: "We are very proud to support the Who Dares Serves project which not only connects our services to the local community but also helps to build community resilience and improve the skills and confidence of the participants."

The Who Dares Works project is a partnership of 17 organisations working together to support over 850 people across West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to get into work, education and training, and is led by Active Plus. The £3.3 million project is funded by the Big Lottery Building Better Opportunities Programme, funded by the European Social Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund as part of the 2014-2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme in England.

Phoenix Services has more opportunities to support young people who fit the funding criteria for Skills for Young People through the ESF programme. If you work with a group of young people aged between 15-25 and would like to find out more call 01326 318177.

To join Who Dares Works call: 01872 300236.