Fair Ways children's charity in Portsmouth unveils Phoenix sculpture in Gunwharf to raise awareness of young people in the care system across the Portsmouth

A sculpture of a Phoenix rising from the ashes has been unveiled at Gunwharf Quays to raise awareness of children in the car system across Portsmouth.

The wooden sculpture was created by children’s charity Fair Ways with community leaders attending the unveiling on Friday, May 29. The instillation represents the resilience and hope of care-experienced people and will be a permanent fixture in the shopping centre.

Gareth Webb, Managing Director of Fair ways, said: “The Phoenix rising from the ashes is a metaphor for young people in care and that they can still go on to do good things. The idea is to raise awareness for young people in the care system across the city.

“I’m really excited, from an idea we had a few years ago to where we are now, I’m just really proud of all the support and really excited about the journey and plans we have for the future.

“We are looking for businesses to support us and offer young people from the care system work experience and apprenticeships. If you are interested in supporting us in any way visit our website fairways.co.”

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Shoppers were able to get a glimpse of the Phoenix at a live carving event at the shopping centre in April but the finished product now has pride of place outside The Old Customs House.

Yvonne Clay, centre director at Gunwharf Quays, said: “The fact that Portsmouth is the first foster-friendly city in the UK is amazing, and that we have been able to be a part of that is just joyful. We really hope that the sculpture will inspire people to get involved, find out more and also inspire other businesses to offer foster-friendly approaches with their workforce.”

“The sculpture was entirely created using a chainsaw and some of that work was done on sight so our guests and visitors could see how it was done. It was absolutely amazing seeing it coming together from a block of wood to what it is now.”

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It is the first of many sculptures to be unveiled that will make up a new walking trail at Hilsea Lines as part of the Phoenix Journey project.

The new outdoor walking trail will open at Hilsea Lines in late 2026 and will feature a series of handcrafted wooden installations. It is being designed to celebrate stories of resilience, hope and the achievements of care-experienced people. Fair Ways want the trail to be a blend of nature, art and storytelling into a “meaningful” route for route for families, schools and the wider community.

The Fair Ways Phoenix Journey is a project between Fair Ways, Portsmouth City Council and Gunwharf Quays. More information can be found at https://www.fairways.co/phoenix-journey/