Youngsters benefit from courses aimed to help them ‘Get Started’

A group of youngsters have benefitted from short courses ran by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Prince’s Trust, with the aim of the course to help youngsters get into education, training, work and volunteering.

The group, aged between 16-30, attended the Get Started programme and participated in a free five-day course led by experts.

The leaders of the programme also provided one-to-one support for each attendee in overcoming barriers and setting goals.

The programme also works with partners enabling youngsters to work towards a group challenge while developing their confidence and skills. Previous partners have included The Premier League, ASOS and Sony.

Samantha Green, Programme Leader at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The five-day course is ran across South Staffordshire and there are specialist topics including: animal care, conservation and bush craft, customised fashion and film.

“We organise and facilitate the programme by setting up delivery partners and recruit young people who are in need of these personal development programmes.

“Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Prince’s Trust provide pastoral support for the attendees during the course and for a period of three months afterwards to help them progress into a positive outcome.

“Attendees benefit by being able to take part in fun activities during the week, get help from experts and at the same time build their confidence by participating in group activities.”

And one of those attendees who has benefitted from attending the Get Started programme is Latifa Gower (also known as Tiffany), 30, from Stafford.

Tiffany, having attended the animal care course, has now had an application accepted for her to attend college in September to study Level 1 animal care.

Despite having been diagnosed with a rare brain tumour when she was four-years-old, and suffering ongoing health issues due to this, Tiffany is excited ahead of going to college in September and has praised the impact the course has had on her.

“Attending the course has given me so much more confidence and going to college in September has given me a reason of something to get up for.

“Come the end of first day of the animal care course, I knew I wanted to work/volunteer with animals.

“I loved the experience and made new friends.

“I’d like to thank the leaders at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Prince’s Trust for their support. All the staff were very friendly.”

New five and 12-week Prince’s Trust courses are starting on 6 June. For further details on these programmes please get in touch with Andy Boyle on 07794213496, or email your enquiry to Andrew.boyle@staffordshire.fire.gov.uk.

More information on Prince’s Trust programmes can be found by visiting the Prince's Trust section on the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service website (www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk).