The Phoenix Project was set up in 1999 to give young people in Spelthorne new opportunities. We support young people through every section of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, with sport, creative arts, cooking, volunteering and expeditions – and, above all, we help them develop as leaders.
200+
young people in 2024/25
1999
the year we started
Who we work with
We’re based at Ashford Youth Club and work with young people aged 14–18 who live or learn in Spelthorne – in particular pupils at Thomas Knyvett College and Sunbury Manor School.
Run by volunteers
The project is led by volunteers who give their time for free – at our sessions, on expeditions and at events throughout the year.
Led by young people
From Year 11, young people can train as young leaders and take an active role in running the project – helping with training, organising evening activities or supporting on expeditions. Every one of our current staff came through this way.
The journey starts with a peer education weekend, open to anyone interested, followed by coaching and mentoring.
Shaped by young people
The Award is often why young people first join. Most of our other activities started because a young person asked if they could run them – including a river-cleaning project on the Thames, a sports project and a drop-in for discussion and planning.
We also volunteer with Staines Rotary, supporting the Santa Sleigh, Staines Upon Thames Day and more.
How we’re funded
We’re self-financing. We rely on funding applications and fundraising, which help us subsidise activities so that no young person misses out because of money.
Safe and qualified
All staff are DBS-checked and have completed safeguarding training. We also have qualified first aiders and BEL-trained expedition leaders across the team.