Founded in 1965, the Phoenix Club operated as an independent charity before being taken under Inchgarth’s management fifteen years ago. This helped secure the club’s future, allowing it to continue supporting local people. Now with more than sixty members, the club fosters a vibrant and diverse community where everyone feels valued.

The club meets twice a week, on Monday evenings and Thursday afternoons, and provides a range of activities designed to suit different interests and abilities. Members can enjoy card games, take part in arts and crafts or simply sit and chat with friends over a cup of tea or coffee.

Ran by a dedicated team of volunteers, the club provides a safe, supportive and enjoyable space where members can grow in confidence, improve their wellbeing and feel more independent.

For volunteer Lorna, one of the club’s greatest strengths is the opportunity it gives members to connect with others: “It’s a brilliant social outlet for them,” she said. “They get to make and meet new friends, and it’s good for them to be in a different environment and have something in their day to look forward to.”

The club is equally beneficial for the volunteers who give their time, as Lorna continued: “It’s great getting to know people and getting to know other volunteers. However, supporting the service users and seeing them develop and enjoy themselves is a very rewarding part of volunteering for me.”

Helen, who started volunteering at the Phoenix Club last year, says the welcoming atmosphere is one of the things that makes it so special:

“The members are really lovely and so are the people that come along and look after them. It’s a really nice, relaxed atmosphere. There’s always something going on – whether it’s crafts, games or activities. It’s just great for them to get a bit of a break and be out of their usual environment.”

“I enjoy it for me as well,” Helen added. “I can give, but I get back as well. That’s what I like about volunteering.”

The club also plays an important role in helping members feel connected to the wider community. Volunteer Tolulope sees this as one of the most valuable aspects of the club.

“Inchgarth is not just a community centre where people come along,” she said. “It’s a place where people bond together and meet others instead of staying at home. They feel like they are part of society, which is very important. This is the great thing that Inchgarth is helping people to achieve.”

For many families, the impact of the Phoenix Club has been life-changing. Isabelle’s son Cameron has attended the club for several years where she has seen significant benefits through his involvement: “His confidence has risen, his communication skills have risen – everything has improved.” she said.

“He’s made friends and he loves coming along. I honestly don’t know what we’d do without the club.”

She believes the variety of activities offered at the club plays a big role in helping members develop new skills and experiences: “They get to try different things that they might not otherwise have the chance to do. It’s brilliant – I’ve got nothing but the highest of praise for Inchgarth and the Phoenix Club.”

“Inchgarth is not just a community centre where people come along. It’s a place where people bond together and meet others.”

At its heart, the Phoenix Club focuses on the same simple goal it has had since 1965: bringing people together, building friendships and creating a place where everyone feels welcome. It is a shining example of what community centres like Inchgarth do best – creating opportunities for people to connect, have fun and be part of something.

For members, their families and volunteers alike, this enjoyment, friendship and sense of belonging is what makes the Phoenix Club such a special part of this community in Aberdeen.

The Phoenix Club meets on Mondays 7-9pm and Thursdays 1-3pm and is open to adults with additional support needs. To find out more about the Phoenix Club and Inchgarth Community Centre, visit inchgarth.co.uk

This article originally appeared in the July 2026 edition of ACVO News, our free monthly digital magazine for and from the the third sector in Aberdeen. Read the current and past editions, and sign up to our mailing list, at acvo.org.uk/acvo-news