Delroy Ellis, a dedicated community leader and youth mentor, has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the University of Gloucestershire in recognition of his outstanding contributions to supporting young people and his tireless efforts to combat anti-social behaviour, gang involvement, and knife crime in Gloucestershire.
The honor was bestowed during one of the University’s 2025 graduation ceremonies held at Cheltenham Racecourse, marking a significant milestone in Delroy’s remarkable journey.
Upon receiving the award, Delroy reflected, “This Honorary Fellowship is a tremendous honour and deeply humbling. Being acknowledged for my work with young people means everything to me. My journey hasn’t been straightforward—there were moments of doubt and uncertainty, but standing here today affirms that the journey to finding purpose is challenging yet invaluable.”
He delivered an inspiring message to young people: “If you feel lost or unseen, remember your story is still unfolding. Moments of confusion or hardship are not failures; they are essential to your growth. Keep showing up, keep learning, and believe in your unique potential. Growth often happens quietly when no one is watching. Trust that these moments matter. You have every right to dream, stumble, and rise again—this is how real change and true fulfilment begin.”
Delroy’s path to becoming a community pillar embodies resilience and transformation. Excluded from school early due to behavioural issues, he later learned that undiagnosed severe dyslexia had hindered his ability to read and write, contributing to his struggles. Without support, he left education, and his life spiralled into petty crime and drug dependency.
At 21, a pivotal moment occurred when he met his estranged father during a youth exchange programme to Jamaica, sparked by a Prince Charles-funded initiative. His father’s advice to “be a leader, not a follower” deeply resonated with him. After his father’s sudden passing weeks later, Delroy committed to changing his life’s trajectory.
He joined the Prince’s Trust, excelling in their programmes, becoming a South West Ambassador, and dedicating himself to helping others.
Motivated to support young people facing similar challenges, Delroy founded Increase the Peace, a Gloucester-based charity focused on combating youth violence and fostering positive futures through mentoring, workshops, and creative projects. The charity’s beginnings trace back to an inspirational music album distributed among local youth groups and has since grown into a powerful catalyst for change.
Through the Youth Engagement Scheme (YES), Delroy and his team provide vital support to vulnerable young people within schools and those outside formal education, helping build confidence, stability, and hope.
Over two decades, Delroy’s impactful work has earned him numerous accolades, including Citizen of Gloucester (2012) and the affectionate title ‘Mayor of Barton’ by his community in 2013.
Additionally, he has served as a Learning Mentor with the Racial Equality and Diversity Service (READS) and is highly regarded for his expertise in restorative practice and conflict resolution.
The University of Gloucestershire praised Delroy’s “exceptional commitment to young people and his inspiring example of how determination and purpose can generate lasting positive change in the community.”