Ellie’s story

Ellie,18, is a Green Leader at Green Patch, and spends her time here volunteering and taking part in the youth groups.

“At Green Patch, I feel like I have a purpose, and I feel like I belong. My school teacher referred me to Green Patch when I was in year 9. I used to come every lunchtime and spend some time gardening and socialising with others.

I actually completed a Green Leaders programme with Green Patch, which was really hard work but a real privilege. I now take part in the Monday youth groups and volunteer too – I have recently painted one of the fences.

I am at Tresham College, and about to complete my Level 2 in health and social care. My volunteering has given me some of the caring and social skills I will need within my college studies, and I love helping with the cleaning around the site too.”