Participants completing the first ever ‘Who Dares Serves’ course attended a passing out parade on Friday 4th August at St Ives Community Fire Station.

Who Dares Serves is a one of a range of innovative work-related options within the ‘Who Dares Works’ project, funded by the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund and the European Social Fund and led by award-winning Community Interest Company, Active Plus.

Who Dares Serves is a week-long, multi-agency course giving people insight into working with Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service, Devon and Cornwall Police, South West Ambulance Trust and The Army. Focussing on a taster into each public service, the course gives an idea of the breadth of skills it takes for each to operate and how individuals can be involved within these services.

The official passing out parade marks the culmination of the group’s learning over the five days. During the ceremony, held in front of family and friends, the group showcased techniques demonstrated throughout the week, including hose running and first aid.

Who Dares Serves is led by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service who have been running the Phoenix Project since 2002 to enhance self-confidence, communication skills and community spirit.

Who Dares Serves

Dr Julian Commons Phoenix Project Manager said: “Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service commits itself to developing skills for members of the local community. The fire service is able to use its reputation and position of authority and respect within the community to hone team work, communication and leadership skills. The participants from the Who Dares Serves course have worked extremely hard to succeed throughout this week and we are very proud to be able to work in partnership with Devon and Cornwall Police, South West Ambulance Trust and The Army.”

Carolyn Webster, Project Manager for Who Dares Works said: “It is great to see public services coming together to deliver a course that will help to motivate and inspire people to take the next steps towards training and work”

Who Dares Works is a partnership of 17 organisations working together to support over 850 people across West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to get into work, education and training, and is led by Active Plus. Over the next 2-3 years, the project will receive up to £3.3 million of funding from the Big Lottery Building Better Opportunities Programme, funded by the Big Lottery Fund and the European Social Fund as part of the 2014-2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme in England.

Anyone wishing to find out more about what’s available within Who Dares Works can call 01872 300236, email whodaresworks@activeplus.org.uk or follow @WhoDaresWorks on Twitter and Facebook