Phoenix interns produce Zine for older people during lockdown

A group of six students, taking part in a nine-month work placement with Phoenix, produced a monthly Zine for older people at Hazelhurst Court during lockdown.

Phoenix Foundations, a ground-breaking project designed to help young people with learning disabilities into full time employment has been working with Phoenix to place the young people in roles ranging from customer service to facilities, with the support of job coaches and instructors. All of them are in their final year of college and have a goal of finding competitive employment.

Moyi Sang, one of the students who produced the Zine (pictured) said: “Me and the other Phoenix Foundations interns created a magazine called 'No WiFi Zine' for older residents at Hazelhurst Court. We wanted to do something for them to help beat the isolation and boredom they were facing during lockdown.

"We covered lots of different topics in the magazine including issues for Easter, International Women’s Day, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day and Pride Month.

"I also had the opportunity to write for Autism Awareness Month. I enjoyed writing about my experience of living with autism and got to raise awareness for what it’s like to live with autism and the struggles I face with communication, speaking with people, and socialising with others. Through the magazine I was able to give an insight into what it’s like living with Autism.” 

The project is being funded by Lewisham Council and includes a number of partner organisations, including Lewisham Southwark College and Toucan Employment.

The internships ran from September to June, in line with the college year, with each of the six young people having up to three placements within Phoenix to gain new skills and experience so that they can confidently say that they have experienced the world of work. Without this kind of exposure, chances of finding employment are scandalously low.