Young People Supporting Young People: Celebrating Our Peer Mentors
Kieran Murphy | 23rd October 2026
Sometimes, knowing someone is in your corner can make all the difference.For a young person navigating school life, having someone who listens, notices and genuinely cares can have a huge impact. It's one of the reasons we're so passionate about peer mentoring at Phase.On Thursday 22 October, we celebrated 22 brilliant students from Hitchin Girls'
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An Urge to Help Others: The Psychology, History, and Heart Behind Why We Serve
Alina Kurylova | 15th October 2026
Recently, I found myself immersed in a routine administrative task: reviewing our staff and volunteer records to ensure DBS checks and safeguarding certifications were up to date. As I clicked through profile after profile, a single thought took root and simply wouldn't leave me: Why do people choose to volunteer?What drives someone to offer their
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How to acquire 'impossible' skills
James Gore | 8th October 2026
Hello Phase blog! It's been a while. Recently, I read Quiet by Susan Cain. The subtitle of the book is The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking. I'm hugely introverted. You might say I was easily sold on this book (though I think it's an equally important read for extroverts, too)!You can find it here if you're inte
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Supporting your teenager through exams
Molly Rackham | 16th September 2026
Exam season brings stress for both students and parents. The goal of this guide is to share principles and practical habits to help your family navigate this time calmly and confidently.💡Remember: Every teenager and home environment is unique. Adapt these ideas to fit your family, use what works, and let go of what doesn't.Establishing Healthy Rou
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Making the Most of the Summer Holidays
Molly Rackham | 31st July 2026
The summer holidays are a chance to take a break from your usual routine, relax, explore new interests, and spend time with the people who matter most. While it's important to enjoy the freedom that the holidays bring, having a little structure can help you build healthy habits, look after your wellbeing, and make the most of your time off.That's w
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Meet Anya
Molly Rackham | 6th July 2026
Hello, I'm Anya and I'm a currently in year 12, I've spent my week doing work experience with Phase Hitchin which has given me incredible insight into how they support young people, so far, I've enjoyed helping out with workshops because I've been able to directly engag
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Rain, Road Trips, and Really Big Mountains
Molly Rackham | 29th May 2026
After a couple of months away in New Zealand visiting family, exploring new places, and stepping away from normal routines, I’ve come home with a full camera roll, a slightly confused body clock, and a heart that feels very full.The trip gave me space to slow down, reconnect with people I love, and notice the little things again. Somewhere between
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Fuel: Recalibrate
James Gore | 26th May 2026
Welcome to the final Fuel blog. Recalibrate is all about using technology for good and managing the online world's impact on our wellbeing. This page is your one-stop library for further reading/listening about the things we spoke about in your recent Fuel workshop in school. If you like podcasts, this is a good place to start - 15 minutes of Jame
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Fuel: Regulate
James Gore | 11th May 2026
Welcome to Fuel blog three out of four. If you enjoyed your recent Fuel session in school, this page is packed with even more info. You may have arrived at this blog after scanning the QR code on your Fuel: Regulate postcard. Regulate is all about being aware of our emotions and managing them well. First, a reminder that our emotions are normal, he
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From Exam Nerves to Driving Tests: Why Do We Worry?
Alina Kurylova | 1st May 2026
We've all been there: the dry mouth, the racing heart, and that nagging voice in your head wondering if you’ve forgotten everything you ever learned in a matter of seconds. Whether it's a GCSE paper, a university essay, or even a driving test, anxiety can feel like a heavy weight.I recently finished my Master's degree in International Relations. Yo
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Fuel: Radiate
James Gore | 17th April 2026
Welcome to the second piece in our series of four Fuel blogs. This blog is for anyone interested in learning more about the stuff we spoke about during your Fuel session in school. You may have arrived at this blog after scanning the QR code on your Fuel: Radiate postcard. Radiate is all about being a source of positivity in the spaces where we hav
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Fuel: Relate
James Gore | 30th March 2026
Welcome to Fuel! Fuel is a series of four fun, interactive workshops designed to empower you with knowledge and skills to manage your wellbeing in a variety of different ways: Relate, Radiate, Regulate, and Recalibrate. This is the first of four Fuel blogs to help you reflect on and delve deeper into what we learnt about in the session in school. Y
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Introducing Phase Forward
James Gore | 19th March 2026
I'm incredibly excited to be writing this blog. Anyone who knows me knows that I love sports and I'm passionate about the benefits of physical activity - having fun, bringing people together, looking after our health and building resilience. At Phase, we're blessed to have people support us in a variety of ways: fundraising, volunteering, one-off d
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Healthy Habits for Exam Success
Molly Rackham | 13th March 2026
As exam season gets closer, it’s normal to start feeling the pressure building. Revision, deadlines, and thinking about results can make it feel like everything suddenly revolves around exams. While working hard and preparing is important, looking after yourself is just as important. When you’re tired, stressed, hungry, or overwhelmed, it becomes m
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Meet Alina
Alina Kurylova | 6th March 2026
Hello everyone, my name is Alina and I’m delighted to be starting my journey with Phase as Operations and Engagement Manager. Some of you may have seen me at Phase events or during workshops in schools where I’ve been volunteering.Phase Hitchin celebrating 20 years of helping young lives to thrive. 2024If this is the first time we’re meeting, you m
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