Issue - meetings

That the presentation be noted.

The Chairman welcomed and introduced Mr. Eryl Owen, Phoenix Coordinator, and Mr. Brian Williams, Community Safety Team Manager, North Wales Fire & Rescue Service, and invited them to give a presentation on the Phoenix Project.

The Member Engagement Manager read out a prepared statement from Councillor Hilary McGuill, a member of the North Wales Fire & Rescue Authority, which communicated her support for the Phoenix Project.   

Mr. Owen provided background information and gave an overview of the aims, objectives and benefits of the Project to the Fire & Rescue Service and the general public.  The main points of the presentation were:

·        Phoenix 1 – Teamwork

·        Phoenix 2 – Leadership

·        Other Phoenix interventions

·        Figures for 2013/14

·        Criteria for potential Phoenix participants

·        All Wales Evaluations

·        Partnership Working

·        North Wales Police

·        Fixers

·        Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETs)

The Chairman thanked Mr. Owen for an informative presentation and invited Members to raise questions.

Councillor Ian Dunbar referred to the Phoenix schemes and asked what measures were in place to support youngsters when they had completed their courses.  Mr. Owen explained that there was a 12 month period of evaluation for students following the course and referred to the opportunities for further development that were offered by the Service and in partnership with other bodies.

In response to the question concerning how youngsters gained access to the  Phoenix Project, Mr. Owen highlighted the work undertaken to engage with education in Primary and Secondary schools.  He also referred to the collaborative work carried out with North Wales Police to reduce arson related incidents and break down barriers, the Youth Justice Service, Welsh Ambulance Service, and local community Youth Clubs.  Mr. Owen explained that prior to commencement on the Phoenix courses Fire Officers met with students to provide background information and explain the expectations and aspirations of the Service.  He said it was exceptional for someone not to take up the opportunity and commented on the positive benefits for individuals in terms of improved self esteem and confidence, responsibility, discipline, respect, trust, command, control, and leadership skills.  He said students also gained greater awareness of health and safety issues and an understanding of the consequences of their own actions.

The Chairman thanked Mr. Owen and Mr. Williams for their detailed and informative presentation and responses to Members’ questions and also expressed his support for the Phoenix Project. 

That the presentation be noted.