MP's support for scheme

John Healey, MP for Wentworth and Dearne, paid a visit to The Prince’s Trust Team Programme, being delivered by South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue and South Yorkshire Police from Dearne fire station.

The scheme is the first of its kind in the UK to be jointly run by the police and fire services.

The programme is a 12-week personal course for unemployed 16 to 25 year olds, offering work experience, qualifications, practical training and a residential development week.

The programme also gets young people to nominate their own community project, with those on the current scheme choosing to transform the centre of Swinton - fixing benches, clearing graffiti, picking litter and planting trees and flowers.

John Healey MP said: “Young people are the future of this area and it is fantastic that both fire and police are working together to transform not only the lives of those on this programme, but also the places where they live.”

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue team leader John Daley said: “Team Programme gives hope, confidence and the opportunity to make a difference, and we hope the sense of achievement it gives these young people will give them the self-belief which they can transfer to their future lives.”