Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page and for donating to Phoenix Enterprises.

This case study will explain why this charity is so important.

"My son Tom was severely premature and had a significant brain haemorrhage shortly after his birth. This left him with brain damage. He is formally diagnosed with Autism, Dyspraxia and Epilepsy. He’s now 23 years old.

He is a fan of real ale, loose leaf tea and heavy metal.

I phoned Swindon Adult Social Care in the Autumn of 2020 to
ask for help. Tom, then aged 21, was unemployed, depressed, isolated and living his life in bed with his door shut. He was at risk of the effects of alcoholism, self-neglect and spiralling depression. He had a total lack of direction and a feeling of hopelessness. He had considered suicide.

Having left the education system, where he had a full Statement of Special Educational Needs, I found that he had nothing. Leaving
school is like being pushed off a cliff for young adults with disabilities – all support stops. Swindon Adult Social Care could offer me nothing . . . except the name of a local charity . . . Phoenix Enterprises.

Tom and I went to have a look around. I felt so emotional at that first visit that I cried.

Tom started at Phoenix in December 2020. Phoenix gave him a
reason to get out of bed in the morning. They gave him the possibility of finding paid work. They supported him with benefits applications, interview coaching and CV writing. They provided an environment where people can get used to the hustle and bustle of a dynamic and noisy environment and the constraints of time pressures. Phoenix gave Tom an inclusive safe place of support and care.

It felt like Phoenix were able to take him by the hand, and
with care and patience, steer him towards being able to join in with what was going on within Phoenix . . . and then what was going on outside of Phoenix.

This slowly built his confidence and he, bit by bit, did more. He enjoyed his love of music more, he started to go out of the house more. He was motivated.

After a while Tom wanted to earn his own wage and be able to
support himself. After many months and applications, he was offered an apprenticeship. He has now moved out of home. He is renting a room in a shared house and he is coping. He has begun to live independently and is striving to make a success of his new life.

I believe that Phoenix saved Tom’s life.

He used to say that he didn't think that he'll live very long
. . . he never felt that he would achieve an old age. He doesn't say that any more.

So yes, with Tom’s determination and the support from Phoenix, Tom’s life has been turned around.

Thanks to Phoenix he is now a tax payer!"