Swindon’s mental health and learning disability charity Phoenix Enterprises celebrated its 20th anniversary cake and a karaoke session this week.
Set up in 2002, the organisation, which is based on the Elgin Industrial Estate, provides a safety net and valuable work opportunities for local people with learning disabilities and mental health challenges.
Each year, Phoenix Enterprises:
- Helps around 100 people with mental health and learning disabilities
- Helps on average 12 people back into paid employment
- Saves the DWP and local government around £400,000
The charity celebrated its achievements with its service users and a host of invited guests including local MP’s Justin Tomlinson and Robert Buckland, Swindon Borough Council leader David Renard and a host of other local dignitaries.
The event was also used to issue a plea for more support to ensure the charity, which saves the Department of Work and Pensions around £400,000 each year in benefits payments and other support, makes it through to celebrate its 40th birthday in 2042.
Mike Bowden, trustee at Phoenix revealed the pressure that charity is currently under, “Today we celebrate the last 20 years but we want to look forward and ensure we are still able to share this impressive story in 2042 on our 40th birthday. To do that will require some hard work and support.”
The truth is, our costs currently exceed our revenue. Everyone here understands this can only lead to one outcome – and it wont be a happy 25th birthday let alone 40th!”
New Chief Executive, Clare McDougall echoed Mike’s comments saying” I’ve only been with Phoenix a few months and I’m absolutely amazed at the talent and commitment of the small team of paid staff and volunteers that work here.”
Around 10 to 15 of our people go on to find paid work each year – and for those looking for economic efficiency, this saves the UK PLC around £400,000 in benefit payments and other support costs.”
“We have huge financial pressures, but we are determined to celebrate our 40th birthday on 2042!”
