Here are a few of the Young People who have completed a Beacon Course and have agreed to share their stories.
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Simon Edwards
Interviewed 04/05/06
"I started on the Beacon when I was 15. I had been expelled from school and put into a Unit. At first I was a bit of a show off but I settled down when I realised how enjoyable it was. I loved all of it but my favourite bit was doing the Rat Run with Breathing Apparatus on.
The final Pass Out Presentation was brilliant and my family were so proud of me. It felt so good to have proved to people who didn't think I could do it that I could and I had. I know that if it wasn't for the Beacon I wouldn't be as motivated as I am now. It helped me to build my self confidence, have more respect for others and I learnt how to manage my time better.
The Beacon Course has made me want to be a firefighter and this ambition has kept me focussed and out of trouble. I
completed a two year BTEC course in Public Services, then workred in
Philadelphia (USA) as a volunteer firefighter. I am working full time for Virgin
Mobiles.
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Laura Horsley
Interviewed 03/05/06
"I was 13 when I enrolled on the Beacon Course. I wanted to improve my confidence and self esteem.
I had a great time throughout the whole of the course and I made some great friends that I am still in touch with now.
My confidence grew massively and I even came back as a mentor on the following course. This gave me a whole new experience as I was working with the staff, helping
others on the course.
This helped my confidence even more, I am more outgoing now, go out more and feel a lot happier.
In the future I would like to work with young people.
It's an excellent experience, the staff are great and you will get loads more confidence in yourself."
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Holly Hassal
Interviewed 02/05/06
"I was put on the Beacon Project by my school when I was 12 because I was being disruptive.
I really enjoyed everything about the course. It helped me to become less disruptive and more focused. Even the teachers noticed a difference in me, saying that I was easier to work with.
When I was 15 I had to decide where to do my two week work experience placement and I chose to go back to the Beacon Project.
I had a brilliant time on the Beacon and would recommend it to anyone."
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Sarah Daley
Interviewed 02/05/06
"When I was 14 I was referred by my school onto the Beacon Project because of my behaviour, mostly I was distracting other students and found it difficult to manage my moods.
I enjoyed everything about the course but in particular the fire fighting side of it. It was good for me to learn how to work as part of a team and the course gave me the motivation to make a difference in my life.
Back at school I had more confidence in myself and I passed all my exams. The firefighters that I met were considerate to other people, this is how I wanted to be and it meant I got into less trouble.
I don’t hang around with the same people I used to because I prefer the person I am without them. My family are really proud of what I have achieved and the ambitions I have. I have matured a lot which makes me more approachable and accepting of others.
I feel as though the Beacon course helped me to change for the better, it gave me a good foundation to build on. I enjoy doing good things for the community and hope to become a fire fighter eventually."
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