Local young people from Caia Park, Wrexham took part in North Wales Fire and Rescue Service's innovative Phoenix course last week.

The aim of the project is to address issues within young people ranging from low self-esteem and lack of confidence to anti-social behavior and /or fire related problems such as deliberate fire setting and hoax calls.

Phoenix challenges existing attitudes and promotes independent thinking in young people by using fire service activities to develop personal attributes such as working as a team, exploring physical and mental limits and promoting and educating young people about the role of the fire and rescue service.

Last week's Phoenix course saw staff working in partnership with the STARS project, Wrexham.

The STARS Project supports young people aged 16 to 25 to help them into education, training or employment. The project encourages participants to aspire to further learning and works closely with education providers and training colleges.  

A meeting was held in April 2016 with Caia Park Partnership Ltd and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service to continue the intervention work for the Caia Park area - at the meeting, a request was made to run a Phoenix course for the STARS project.  

The course received support from North Wales Police with help from two PCSOs who work on Caia Park, and a mentor from STARS.

The course was held at Chirk Fire Station.

Pam Roberts, Phoenix Coordinator, said: "The Fire and Rescue Service has a powerful draw for a young person, which gives us the opportunity to try and influence behaviour.

“The Phoenix project offers a unique experience to build on qualities we as a Service work towards such as respect, communication and trust.

“The week has involved a blend of classroom learning where the youngsters were taught consequences of actions, then drill yard activity where we promote working together as a team, assessing risk and adhering to instructions.

“Skills learnt during the week are demonstrated at a ceremony of achievement with attendance of a Principal Officer, Fire Authority members, parents, guardians and staff from the school.          

“Further aims of the course are to assist the youngsters in becoming more motivated and positive about themselves, which in turn has the effect of making them better citizens.

"We are hoping that being part of this inspirational course will have made a difference to the lives of these young people, and that they will take back the important lessons learned and share them with family and friends.”