The programme looks to engage and educate some of the most disaffected young people in our community, namely those in Young Offenders Institutions and Pupil Referral Units by helping them to identify and deal with their anger management and self awareness.

The Phoenix Project was presented with the Innovation Award by representatives from the Department of Health, the Department for Children Schools and Families, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Positive Futures, and the CSR department of BT Wholesale at The Houses Of Parliament on Wednesday 14th May 2008.

Community Safety Officer for Avon Fire & Rescue Service, Jack Russell, said:

“We are delighted to have won this award. It is fantastic recognition for the work we have been doing to reach out to young people and try to prevent them from getting involved in anti-social behaviour. We also give them fire and road safety advice in a fun and easy-to-relate-to way.”

“Because of the success of the scheme we are now delivering the Inferno Programme to offenders at Ashfield and Eastwood Park Prisons and have been talking to Exeter Chiefs and Newport Gwent Dragons about how to implement similar schemes in their area.”

Bristol Rugby’s Community Development Manager, Ben Breeze said: 

“What started out as a concept at the beginning of the season has been developed through a number of feasibility and pilot schemes into a very successful and highly impactful programme." 

"I would like to thank everyone who has helped this programme evolve into what has become today, especially those at Avon Fire & Rescue Service for their open minded approach to engaging and educating some of the most disaffected young people in our community."

“To receive a national award like this within the first year of launching The Phoenix Project, is a huge honour for the club and the partnership we have formed and it is testament to the amount of hard work has been put in by all concerned.”