A Cardiff Metropolitan University student who started a crafting business while battling a long-term illness, has been selected as a Prince’s Trust Young Ambassador and is now using her experience to speak out and inspire other young people.
Following years in and out of hospital with an eating disorder, Molly Leonard, 26, from Rhoose, Cardiff, discovered a passion for mindful crafting. Molly started running sessions for other patients, where people could come together and do a variety of crafting activities or just have an opportunity to talk.
Since leaving hospital, Molly has gone on to continue her mindful crafting sessions in primary schools, museums and with groups across Cardiff – with the support and funding provided from the Prince’s Trust.
Molly said: “I spent six years in and out of hospitals across the UK. It was during my last admission two years ago that one of the staff suggested I get in touch with the Prince’s Trust. I actually contacted them from my hospital bed!
“I had no job and no money, just an idea and need to get out of the downward spiral I was in. They’ve supported me from the very beginning and even encouraged me to do the teaching course at Cardiff Met and further my studies.
“The Prince’s Trust has done a huge amount more for me than just helping me start my business, they’ve helped me gain confidence and believe in myself, something I didn’t have for a very long time.”
After discovering a passion for teaching through running the mindful crafting sessions, Molly went on to study the Preparing to Teach in PCET at Cardiff Met, a 10-week course designed as an introduction to teaching in post 16 education. Molly now hopes she can continue to grow her business.
Molly continued: “The PCET course at Cardiff Met really helped boost my confidence and believe in my own ability. After leaving an undergraduate course in 2017 due to my mental health, I never thought I would go back to studying. There was a point during the course at Cardiff Met when I didn’t think I could continue, but my course leader spent time with me and helped me realise I could do it. The tutor’s commitment really made a difference. Now that I’ve completed it, I’m so happy I stuck with it. The course gave me valuable teaching experience in a judgment-free environment and made me consider returning to education to study further.”
Leanne Davies, Senior Lecturer PGCE PCET and Programme Director Preparing to Teach PCET at Cardiff Metropolitan University, said: “It is not often that I see someone who can inspire learners to just have a go at something, but Molly has the ability to engage all learners through her love of creative arts in schools, colleges and in adult and community-based settings as well.
“Starting the course as a shy and overly self-critical young learner, Molly never gave up. As an entrepreneur, starting her own business, gaining teaching skills and sharing best practice to others, as well as overcoming physical and mental challenges along the way, Molly has come so far. She has even said she is interested in continuing with the PGCE PCET at Cardiff Met to gain the full teaching qualification. A totally inspirational young learner!”
The Prince’s Trust gives young people the skills and confidence to get their lives on track. Three in four young people helped by The Prince’s Trust move into work, training or education.
