Thames Festival Trust Logo Phoenix Futures
Phoenix Futures for...
People & Families who use our services Find a service Supporting you in the Justice System Supporting you with Housing Supporting you with Residential Treatment Supporting you in the Community Understanding the jargon
Commissioners and professionals Residential Treatment Best Practice guidance How to commission us Partnering with us Recovery Housing Provision Recovery through Nature Recovery through the Arts Recovery through Sport
Career Seekers and Volunteers Current vacancies Working at Phoenix Volunteering for us
About Phoenix Futures
Our approach to recovery Our Strategy Our Models of Treatment
Meet Phoenix Futures Our History Our Team Guiding Principles Networks
Supporting us Corporate support Make a donation
Spotlight on recovery Phoenix News and Views Recovery Stories Reports and Resources Anti-Stigma Work Making Rehab Work Peer Mentoring and Volunteering in Essex 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
Phoenix Futures Scotland
For People & Families who use our services Find a service Our Projects in Scotland
Careers & Volunteering Volunteering for us Scotland Join Our Team Scotland
Meet Phoenix Futures Scotland Our History Scotland Our Team Scotland
Essex Services
For People & Families Who Use Our Service - Essex Find a service Essex Supporting you in Essex
Careers & Volunteering Essex Peer Mentoring and Volunteering in Essex Current Vacancies
Spotlight on recovery in Essex Recovery stories Essex
Search

Gillian's Story

"My name is Gillian and I’m 8 years old. I like doing cartwheels, going to school, and baking brownies because they’re my absolute favourite (especially when they’re really tasty). I love going to the park, riding my bike, and hanging out with my friends.

For fun, I do lots of things. I like biking with my friends, going bowling and to soft play, and making PowerPoints on the laptops. And honestly, anything to do with Stitch is fun for me (lol).

There were so many good days at Harper House that it’s hard to choose, but I have two favourites. One was Harper House Has Talent and Sports Day. It was really fun winning races, and the best bit was when my mum and Lisa did the three-legged race and fell over the winning line. Everyone laughed so much.

My second favourite day was the Easter scavenger hunt. I won because Paul was looking very suspicious and kind of gave it away at the pirate park.

What I enjoyed most about being at Harper House was meeting new people and making friends. I liked joining in with all the activities, especially Water Day, when everyone was laughing and having fun together. It felt like it brought us all closer.

Since being at the service, I’ve noticed some big changes. My mum has changed a lot, she used to get upset every night, but that’s different now. I like school more, and I listen more too.

If I could give advice to other children who are coming to Harper House, I’d say: don’t worry if you hear banging on the roof, it’s just pigeons. Try not to worry and don’t be frightened. You’ll make friends.

It’s fun, and it’s always busy."

More Recovery Stories

Sarah's Story

I joined a call with Sarah, who has recently completed treatment Phoenix Futures’ Scottish residential service.She begins by explaining how her experience…

Read more

Scott's Story

Scott, now 18 months on from completing treatment at Phoenix Futures’ Scottish Residential service and awaiting his own accommodation, shares his story…

Read more
Thames Festival Trust Logo Phoenix Futures
Annual Reports and Accounts Gender Pay Reporting Compliments & Complaints Contact Us Privacy and Cookies Policy
OSCR
Age Friendly
Living Wage
Anti-Stigma Network
Disability Confident
Phoenix Futures is a registered charity in England and Wales (No 284880) and in Scotland (No SCO39008); Company Limited by Guarantee Number 1626869; Registered Provider of Social Housing with Homes England (H3795).
© 2026 Phoenix Futures | All Rights Reserved Site by Grandad.digital