This month has seen the latest group of young people completing a community-based programme aimed at inspiring confidence, team building and developing new skills.
Phoenix, is an innovative diversionary programme designed to support young people across Tyne and Wear and Northumberland, who are aged between nine and 25.
The co-delivered project presents targeted prevention work between Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service – ensuring that young people are not only safer but also empowered to make informed choices in their lives.
This current Phoenix programme has operated out of four community fire stations using the skills of five specialist instructors and nine firefighters, and over the past two-years 24 individual Respect and Aspire programmes have been delivered.
The funding for this Phoenix Safer Streets project has been provided by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria.
The latest group of seven young people to complete the programme have come from Moorbridge Alternative Education Partnership School (MAEPS) in North Tyneside. They were presented with their certificates by Susan Dungworth, Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria at a special ceremony held at Tynemouth Community Fire Station – where elements of the programme were delivered. The young people also gave an impressive demonstration of fire and rescue skills during the event.
Here are some more interesting facts about the Phoenix programme collated since its conception:
220 children and young people have taken part in the programme from 26 primary and secondary schools.
115,200-metres of hose reel has been deployed by young people (the approximate length of 1,097 football pitches).
23,040-metres of fixed ladders climbed.
4,800-metres of tunnels crawled through in the dark.
52% reduction in deliberate fires seen across targeted areas over the duration of the programme.
Dave Leach, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are so proud of the achievements of the young people who have taken part in the Phoenix programme over the past two years. The successes of the project are clear for everyone to see and are a reflection of the hard work being put in by the young people, both fire and rescue services, our partners, the schools, parents and the local community.
“None of this would be possible without the collaboration and support of Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service and Susan Dungworth – Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner. Their vision to help realise and bring this project to life is testament to their commitment to the people of Tyne and Wear and Northumberland.
“The values and practical elements of the fire and rescue training perfectly enables the young people to develop new skills and cement new friendships. Long may the Phoenix programme continue to prosper for years to come.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “The Phoenix programme is exactly the kind of initiative that brings real, lasting change to our communities. It’s been fantastic to see the difference its making and to meet some of the young people who have taken part.
“Giving young people the chance to build confidence, learn new skills, and feel proud of their achievements is something that will stay with them in the years to come.
“By supporting this project, we’re investing in early intervention to reduce anti-social behaviour, and give young people access to positive opportunities. And the results are clear to see, with young people remaining engaged, deliberate fires reduced, and safer, stronger communities being built for everyone.
“My thanks to Tyne and Wear and Northumberland Fire and Rescue Services for delivering this programme, and inspiring young people in such a meaningful way. This is exactly the kind of positive change we want to see right across our region.”
Kerry Shotton, Station Manager, Prevention and Partnerships at Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, said: “I would like to highlight the vital collaborative efforts between Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service in supporting young people across our region. Both services have come together to deliver a range of proactive educational and early intervention programmes aimed at improving fire safety awareness, reducing risk-taking behaviours, and providing positive role models.
“What makes this collaboration especially impactful is its shared commitment to early intervention and inclusive engagement. By pooling resources and expertise, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear FRSs have been able to reach some of the most vulnerable and at-risk young people, offering tailored support.”
Read about what two of the young people and a teacher from MAEPS thought about the Phoenix programme.
Aspiring electrician Vinnie, aged 13, said: “I found the Phoenix programme really good, especially training in the fire engines and seeing how they work. The course has allowed me to learn more skills and encouraged me to keep trying my hardest at whatever I do.”
Mckenzie, aged 15, said: “I thought it [Phoenix] was interesting. I liked to run the fire hoses and see other people’s jobs within the fire service. I tried things like first aid and CPR for the first time, and everything has given me new confidence.”
Joseph Thompson, Sports Pathway Lead at MAEPS, said: “The hands-on approach of the programme has enabled the young people to gain a better understanding of the fire service and the work that they do in the community. Phoenix has allowed them to come together a lot more as a group and provided them with some important social awareness.
“The transferable skills the young people have been exposed to will work well in the classroom. As just in a short space of time I have seen a significant change in their approach to tackling objectives. They are gritting their teeth, knuckling down, and getting on with things.
“It’s wonderful to see them being more inquisitive in class, and there has been a significant change in their mannerisms towards each other and the teachers since their time on the Phoenix programme. The confidence gained by the young people is helping to create future team players and leaders.”
For further information about how your school, college or organisation could get involved in the Phoenix programme please visit the TWFRS website.
About the Author
Tyne and Wear Fire & Rescue Service
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service serves a resident population of 1.104 million divided amongst the five constituent councils of Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland in the North East of England.
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