North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson joined mental health and learning disability charity, Phoenix Enterprises, to celebrate its 20th birthday.
The charity started in 2002 as Phoenix Mailing, based in Cheney Manor. Over the last 20 years Phoenix has provided an essential safety net for literally hundreds of local people with learning difficulties and mental health challenges.
Trustee, Mike Bowden, gave thanks to all their supporters: “Trustees, staff, volunteers and service users have come and gone and today we thank each of them for their kindness and generosity. Many of our people stay with us for just a short time before they move on to paid work, but others choose to stay for much longer.”
As one parent told us: “Today has been a lovely celebration. Phoenix means so much to our family. My son has a severe learning disability. Nothing prepared either myself, my wife or most importantly our son for day-to-day life after leaving school. This is where Phoenix plays such an important role by providing a safe work environment. Our son attends Phoenix 3-4 days a week. The work he does is varied. All we want for our boy is a place he can attend during the week that helps him feel “normal”, valued and safe and these expectations are met fabulously by Phoenix. Without Phoenix we would struggle to find anything to meet these expectations outside of our home.”
And another: “Our son has a number of challenges including Autism. Having left the education system, the only thing Swindon Adult Social Care could offer us was the name of a local charity . . . Phoenix Enterprises. Out of desperation, I phoned them. I explained our situation. And, my God, their response . . . "Oh yes . . . send him to us . . . we'll sort him out! We'll look after him and turn him around . . . that's exactly what we do!" “We went to have a look around. They introduced us to people, describing what Phoenix is all about and how the support staff help service users. I felt so emotional at that first visit that I cried. I felt such a surge of relief. As an NHS intensive care nurse, I'd spent my entire adult life giving my compassion, my time and my skills to others that were in need. And here in front of me were people that were ready and able to give that same support to my son. I believe Phoenix saved my son’s life.”
Phoenix Enterprises is both a charity and a social enterprise, providing service users with holistic day-to-day support in a structured production environment where they do hand assembly work for other businesses.
This work helps service users to learn life and employability skills, develop friendships and networks and gain confidence, which in turn improves their mental and physical health, their morale and wellbeing; ultimately improving their lives. They help those with less severe issues gain skills to move into paid employment. They provide work experience, references, tailored help with CVs and job applications and interview skills training. Which all makes a significant difference. For those with more profound challenges our positive and structured work experience helps to build confidence, self-esteem and improves interactions with others.
Chief Executive, Clare McDougall said: “I’ve only been with Phoenix for a few months and I’m absolutely amazed at the talent and commitment of the small team of paid staff and all the volunteers that work here. Latterly, between 10 and 15 of our people find paid work each year and make their way in the world – and for those that look for economic efficiency, this saves UK PLC around £400,000 in benefit payments and other support costs each year. We have huge financial pressures, but we are determined to celebrate our 40th birthday in 2042!”
