Meet Elyse

What are your interests and hobbies?
Athletics, and volunteer coaching kids and young people in sports. I have done my sports leader qualifcations and volunteered with Access to Sports in Finsbury Park.

How long have you been coming to Lift?
Since year 8, about five years. Youth workers came to my school, EGA, and spoke at assembly. They told us about Lift and what it was all about.

What do you do at Lift?
I first came for the gym and general youth sessions. Since then I have also done Afrobeats with Patience, an acting workshop, archery, cooking and Summerversity courses like T-shirt design.

How has Lift helped you?
It has made me network. I have met people who have made me a better person. Speaking to people like Judith and Sharon has helped me grow. It is all the little conversations, the youth workers will always be there to comfort me, giving me confidence - I used to be shy but now I have come out of my shell.

What is the most important thing you have learnt at Lift?
I learnt a new sense of patience. Youth workers have shown me to take time over things - not just rush in and expect instant results. Life should takes its course, Rome wasn't built in a day, you need multiple steps to get where you are going.

What is the most fun you have ever had?
The Halloween disco after lockdown! Then there was the trip to the premier of Nope where we got to meet Daniel Kaluuya. Also, I got to meet Prince Edward who came to visit Lift. He was very down to earth and good fun. He wanted to find out all about the service here.

What would you say to a young person that has never been here before?
I would tell them about all the activities, all the ones that I have done and what was helpful to me. And I would introduce them to Darrell!

What do you hope to be doing in three years’ time?
I will either have gone into athletics at a more competitve level or be a sports coach working with young children, or combine the two.

How is Lift helping you get there?
I recently started the FirstWorks programme here - a job that gives lots of experience working with young people. I also volunteer here with Jigsaw GC as a support mentor. Judith is helping me get on a First Aid at Work course and a Gym Instructor Qualifcation.