Finding purpose after full-time education

During my time at university, I was surrounded by inspiring individuals committed to making a meaningful impact. This experience deeply influenced my own aspirations and extracurricular activities, which centred around community improvement in a variety of different forms.

Upon graduating, however, I found myself at a crossroads. While peers pursued careers in large corporations and corporate industries, I felt disconnected from this path. My desire to positively impact the lives of others guided my career exploration, ultimately leading me to Patch.

Connecting with Patch's mission

Patch's mission resonated with me immediately. The company's commitment to enhancing local lives through exceptional workday experiences and a focus on work-life balance reflects a deep culture of care. It’s been wonderful to see this ethos recognised with our recent B-Corp accreditation.

This authenticity permeates every aspect of the company—from community initiatives to workplace culture. I feel privileged to be part of this journey and to witness firsthand the positive impact we’re making in local communities.

A digital masterclass hosted by Patch and Google for local entrepreneurs on the evolving AI landscape and its role in business.

A space for the whole community to enjoy

One memorable evening at Patch encapsulated what we’re striving to build, when we had a philosophy class, a crochet workshop, and a member working late all happening simultaneously.

This blend of activities highlighted Patch’s commitment to supporting a diverse community—whether it’s hosting thoughtful discussions, nurturing creativity in our event spaces, or supporting founders and entrepreneurs in our workspaces.

Personally, I’ve found immense value in this diversity, especially in the people I work alongside. The Patch team, with its range of skills and backgrounds, has provided me with incredible opportunities to learn and grow. Collaborating with such a variety of individuals has deepened my expertise across multiple areas, enriching my professional journey.

Patch is designed to suit a variety of working rhythms and creative pursuits, with a set of flexible memberships starting at four days a month.

The Work Near Home vision: Building happier, healthier and better-connected societies

It has been exciting to work with the team on redefining how we live and work through our Work Near Home vision. We believe that spending more time in our local communities enhances personal well-being, drives economic success, and revitalises high streets. Seeing the positive change this vision has brought to my own neighbourhood, High Wycombe, since we opened our doors a year ago, has been incredibly rewarding.

By working closer to home, we gain more time to spend with friends and family, engage in our favourite activities, and reduce commute times. This approach not only enriches our personal lives but also enables us to reinvest daytime spending power into local businesses, empower local entrepreneurs and creators, and contribute to a vibrant, sustainable local economy.

A recent creative workshop hosted by local artist, Hannah, who founded the Paint Lab to engage other creatives and share the therapeutic power of art with the High Wycombe community and beyond.

My Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, I’m excited to explore ways in which I can expand my role in building strong, supportive communities that prioritise balance and connection. I aim to develop new initiatives that drive creative resurgence and promote equal opportunity, while advancing Patch’s commitment to making a positive impact on high streets across the UK.

Joining Patch has been deeply fulfilling, perfectly aligning with my passion for community enhancement and purposeful work. The company’s mission, culture, and dedication to local support truly set it apart, and I look forward to continuing this journey and helping to shape a brighter future for our communities.

Teresa with colleague, Amy Robb, Patch High Wycombe's Site Director

About Teresa

I am a graduate from Durham University with a passion for creating positive change in local communities. Having been driven by a desire to leave the world better than I found it, I now bring this ethos to my work at Patch, where I strive to build vibrant and supportive local environments.