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 course two years ago 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 made me want to be a firefighter and this ambition has kept me focussed and out of trouble. I am just about to complete my two year course in Public Services and I plan to volunteer within the Fire Service until I am old enough to then apply to be a fire fighter, I can't wait."
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Laura Horsley
Interviewed 03/05/06
"I was 13 when I went on the Beacon Course I went there 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 the people on the course.
This helped my confidence even more, I am more outgoing now, go out more and feel a lot happier all the time.
In the future I would like to work with young people managing a similar project because I think it helps people so much.
If you are wondering whether you should go on the course or whether you should stick to it I would say you definitely should.
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 so disruptive.
I really enjoyed everything about the course, all of it was good. 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 preferred being on the Beacon helping the staff as I had more responsibility.
Now I have left school I have enrolled on the EARLY programme with the Fire Service in Huyton and I am looking forward to the ten week course.
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.
When I went back to 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 kept thinking about how happy I was on the course so when finished school and heard about the EARLY programme, which is another youth initiative that the fire service runs, I couldn’t wait to join.
During my time on the EARLY programme I spent two weeks on work experience with the Fire Service and on the Beacon project. This helped to give me a good perspective on what I was like before I finished the course and so I felt as though I was giving something back as well as developing more skills.
I am now working as a mentor on the EARLY programme with a new team as well doing another job. 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 and the EARLY programme has pushed that forward. I enjoy doing good things for the community and hope to become a fire fighter eventually."
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