Date: 6th August, 2021
A presentation has been held for the latest cohort of young people to complete Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Prince’s Trust Team Programme.
At the celebration event, held at Poole Sea Scout Hall on 6 August, members of Team 123 explained their experiences in front of family, friends and guests, and were presented with their certificates by the Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus Campbell.
The group of eight young people worked together to overcome fears, conquer challenges, and complete some excellent work in their local community. During the 12 weeks of the programme, they took part in outdoor activities such as canoeing, high ropes and archery; they planned and completed a community project by repainting the perimeter fencing at a playpark in Canford Heath; they helped create a video for The Alcohol Education Trust on the dangers of over-drinking; and all completed a two week work experience placement, with some excellent references from the employers.
One of Team 123, Brett, explained how the course has helped him gain the confidence to move onto his next step. “After the course, I hope to be successful in going through the process of joining the British Army. I recently attended an interview and selection briefing, and the next stage is to complete my fitness test. I hope to be starting basic training by November. The staff on the Prince’s Trust Team were amazing and if it weren’t for them, I probably wouldn’t have put in my application for the British Army because of the lack of belief I had in myself. They reassured me of who I am and what I am capable of.”
Debbie Harvey, DWFRS Prince’s Trust Team Leader, said: “The celebration event was a great way to end the course. This group of young people have been brilliant to work with, right from day one, and their speeches were full of humour, joy, enthusiasm and hope for the future. Each team member has given so much commitment, hard work and energy into the past 12 weeks and, while we are sad to see them go, we know they will all go on to achieve amazing things.”
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has another 12 week Prince’s Trust Team programme starting on Monday 27 September, running from the Edith Lyle Scout Hall on West Quay Road in Poole. If you are aged 16-25 and would like to sign up or find out more information, please contact Debbie Harvey on 07500 066134 or email [email protected]
- Pictured (l-r) are the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus Campbell; the Mayor of Poole, Cllr Julie Bagwell; Cllr Ann Stribley (Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority); Cllr Steve Baron (Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority); Mercy Ebo Ofinedo; Jonty Walker; May-Lee McNally; Brett Shipwright; April Raffray; Jack Valentine; Jesse Bartlett; Hannah Pickford; the High Sheriff of Dorset, Michael Dooley; Prince’s Trust Team Leader, Debbie Harvey; and Prince’s Trust Assistant Team Leader, Terri Whitfield.