Green Patch Stories
Here we share some stories from the visitors, supporters and volunteers at Green Patch.
Louise & Seth
Louise Oliver, 59, brings her grandson Seth, 3, to Green Patch so he views everyone as an equal. Seth gets to socialise with people of all ages and backgrounds and doesn’t judge anyone as different.
Ellie
Ellie,18, is a Green Leader at Green Patch, and spends her time here volunteering and taking part in the youth groups.
Soraya & Jasper
Soraya Osler, 32, has been bringing her two-year-old son Jasper to Green Patch since he was 10-months-old. Green Patch is vital to Soraya and Jaspar, who enjoy watering the plants and attending the free Monday toddler group.
Andrew & David
Brothers Andrew, 59, and David, 62, who live together in sheltered accommodation in Kettering, volunteer at Green Patch twice a week.
Lucy
Lucy Oliver-Carton, 80, comes to Green Patch for a sense of tranquillity she can’t get anywhere else. Lucy describes Green Patch as ‘undemanding and gorgeous’ and enjoys being at one with nature in the little pocket of peace that is Green Patch.
Ryan & Jav
A friendship blossomed between Jav, 16, and Ryan,17, at Green Patch. Now, they both volunteer.
Merle
Merle Tshiamalenge, 86, is one of Green Patch’s longest serving and most loyal volunteers. She has seen the space’s full transformation, from one polytunnel utilised for everything from meetings to planting, to now a fully functioning community space.
Sue & Helen
Sue Crick, 74, and Helen Bell, 77, discovered Green Patch during lockdown, attending one of the outdoor yoga classes. The two friends have since become volunteers, and one of their highlights is the wellbeing walks along the brook behind Green Patch.
Nigel
Nigel Bennett, 67, is Green Patch’s very own handy man, helping to work on cutting the grass and maintaining the polytunnel structures. If Nigel isn’t looking after the sunflowers, you’ll probably find him dressed up as one!
Kate & Paul
Piano teacher Kate Buckby, 62, and husband and former youth worker Paul Buckby, 59, are passionate volunteers at Green Patch and have been involved in the site for more than 20 years.
Jess
Jess struggles quite badly with anxiety, but when she comes to Green Patch, she doesn’t feel anxious. She is surrounded by other young people who don’t judge her and she loves socialising and doing tasks with them.
Tyler
Tyler started coming to Green Patch for more social time. He finds the Green Patch team understand him and they help him to be active and embrace his disability.
