17/12/2008 - Prince's Trust rolls out in Penrith

The Prince’s Trust is coming to Eden in January with the launch of a TEAM programme to help young people to change their lives for the better.

Run by Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, the free 12 week programme offers young people aged 16 to 25, who are not currently in employment, education or training, a unique opportunity to develop teambuilding and life skills by taking on activities to challenge and develop each individual.

Delivered across the UK since 1997, the course aims to give young adults a new direction and focus in life with 70% of those taking part in the programme nationally going on to some form of education, training or employment.

The TEAM programme is an action packed course which involves two weeks work experience, a residential adventure week, a community challenge, CV writing support, interview skills, teambuilding skills and a presentation day to celebrate and share their achievements with family, friends and potential employers. People claiming benefits will not lose out while on the course.

Nationally recognised qualifications are delivered throughout the programme leading to increased employability for those who take part. These include Food Hygiene, Health and Safety and a British Red Cross, First Aid Qualification and the City and Guilds Certificate in Personal, Teamwork and Community skills.

John Moorcroft, Deputy Chief Fire officer for Cumbria, said: "The Prince's Trust is a charity that focuses on people who are in need of education, employment or training - all things which have a wider impact on our communities.

“I’m delighted that we can bring this programme to Penrith and we’ll be working in partnership with Furness College and Cumbria Police. The TEAM programme is currently run by every other fire service in the North west and it is great that Cumbria can now be part of this great programme. 

"I have personally seen many young people pass through the programme and the Prince’s Trust can make a real difference to young people and I hope that this will take off in Penrith.”

Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service has now started recruiting for the Penrith Team Programme, which will start on Monday 19 January 2009 at Penrith Fire Station.

If you are interested in joining the team please call Craig Drinkald on 07901 573893 or Ian Carrick on 07795666848, or email craig.drinkald@cumbriacc.gov.uk

Details are also available at Penrith Connexions office or jobcentre plus.

Since Prince Charles launched his charity in 1976 it has helped more than 575,000 disadvantaged young people get into education, training and work.

Notes

Photos of the launch are available by contacting Chris Little in the media office.

ENDS

Media enquiries to Media Officer Chris Little on 01228 226334.