28 employees from NatWest branches across the South West lent their support to Swindon based mental health and learning disability charity Phoenix Enterprises this week.
Based in Elgin Industrial Estate, Phoenix Enterprises helps around 100 vulnerable adults in Swindon each year. Through working in their warehouse people gain self-esteem, confidence and skills; with many going on to secure paid work.
NatWest have a policy of encouraging their staff to volunteer and get involved in the local community.
The people that attend Phoenix are recovering from mental health issues such as depression, PTSD and social anxiety; plus those with lifetime disabilities or difficulties such as Autism and Asperger’s; and people struggling to find employment because of a lack of skills, experience or confidence.
CEO, Clare McDougall explains: “Everyone here is facing additional challenges in their life, with most coming from disadvantaged financial backgrounds. Some have suffered abuse at some point in their lives, many have experienced bullying due to their learning disabilities or even the way they look. In spite of their challenges, these are some of the hardest working people you will ever come across.”
Kelly Roberts, Deputy Branch Manager at NatWest’s Swindon Branch, arranged the volunteering: “We were all so impressed by the people who benefit from Phoenix’s services. They all want to work, they want to feel included in society and contribute, just like everybody else.”
“I am so glad we took the time to go and help and I really feel we made a massive difference. We did hand-assembly jobs, just like the service users, and by doing so we raised much needed funds for the charity. It always makes you feel good when you know you’ve really helped.”
Clare added: “We are always looking for volunteers. They can do any number of things from hand-assembly work, like the NatWest volunteers, or giving one-to-one help to someone with a disability ensuring they enjoy themselves and feel productive. They can mentor someone, helping them with interview skills, CV writing and job searching. And last but not least, there are always DIY jobs that need attention.”
Since it started in 2002, Phoenix Enterprises has helped hundreds of people in Swindon live a better life and, in many cases, find paid employment.
If you would like to volunteer or benefit from Phoenix Enterprises’ services visit www.phoenixenterprises.co.uk.
