Volunteering with the Phoenix Project
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?” – Martin Luther King, Jr
“Every person can make a difference, and every person should try.” – John F. Kennedy
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe
Volunteering in the community is core to the activities of the Phoenix Project.
We encourage all our young people to work in teams to support their community. Some young people find their own opportunities, but many volunteer with us in the community. Below are examples of the opportunities and activities from the last two years, many of which they are involved in the preparation and organisation.
Peer Leadership – Annual 3-day Leadership course with our year 11 cohort, providing them with the skills to be leaders in our group.
Egham Royal Show – Supporting the Show Charity with volunteers to run the main entrance gates over the two days.
Staines Pancake Race – An annual fundraising event in Staines High Street completely run by our young people.
Staines Annual Duck Race- Part of Staines Upon Thames Day raising money for Midas Plus, completely run by the Phoenix Project.
Christmas Santa Sleigh Collections – At least 7 nights run by young people teams from the project.
Santa Fun Run- The annual event is marshalled by over 15 young people from the project.
Annual Ashford Classic Car show - The annual event is completely marshalled by over 15 young people from the project
Ashford Wide Christmas Fair- A team of 6 young people support the event in a range of voluntary roles.
Echelforde School Fair- We are now in our third year of supporting the school PTA with additional volunteers.
Environmental group – An ongoing project to clear our local rivers and woodlands led by one of our young people.
Consultations – The group is regularly asked to represent young people’s views whether about crime, development of their local town or what they want to change.
Fundraising – This year’s charity was Holly’s Heroes where money has been raised through various activities such as a car wash and bake sale, all organised and run by the young people. A cheque for £1000 was presented in November 2025.
This is all managed by a committee of our young people which meets fortnightly