Create and Connect
Creativity extends far beyond arts and crafts—it empowers problem-solving, self-expression, and confidence while offering access to mindfulness and proven neurological benefits.
We provide spaces for people to connect through creativity, believing that mindful creativity is an underutilised wellbeing tool that should be accessible to all.
With expertise in supporting women with complex needs, we create welcoming, safe spaces for creative exploration. We offer workshops, one-off events, and dedicated creative spaces in Waterlooville, Havant, Portsmouth, and other parts of Hampshire.
Creatful is a social enterprise – that means whatever money we make from our workshops goes straight back into delivering more for our community.
Who Are We?
Nancy
Creatful was born after founding director, Nancy, found herself stuck between two NHS mental health services, not meeting the requirements to be treated by either. After being left with no choice but to fund her own treatment and finding a lack of a creative outlet throughout her journey, Nancy strived to create a safe space for people just like her.
“Hi, I’m Nancy. I was born in Liverpool and I now live in Waterlooville. First and foremost, I am a Mother to Aria age 11 and Harvey age 9. I trained in product design and design management then spent 14 years in the corporate world. I live with mental health illness. Along with medication and therapy, creativity has been critical to my own mental health journey and continued recovery.”
I have a passion for making sure all people have spaces in their communities where they feel safe and welcomed. I love bringing people together using creativity, empowering them to connect and giving them more tools to manage their wellbeing.” – Nancy Fellows
Nancy was recently recognised as Havant Borough’s Honorary Citizen of the Year for her work with Creatful.
Our Directors
Elodi Fellows
Hello, I am Elodi Fellows. I am a proud mother of 3 beautiful boys, Zeek (17) Eli (9) and Cassius (2). I also work full time as a Strategic Account Manager within the Telecom industry which has me travelling the length of the country up to three times a week.
With the pressures of managing a hectic family schedule along with a demanding target driven career, I have always been mindful of the importance of mental health and the need to arm yourself with self love tools and regular ‘check ins’ on both yourself and others (my preferred route being a monthly massage / sound bath)
I have been fortunate enough to support Nancy from the beginning of her Creatful journey and witness first hand the real life impact she and her craft and chat groups have had on our local community and so I jumped at the chance to take a Directors role when offered in the hope that we could utilise some of my skill set to support the growth of the business to ensure Nancy is able to provide her support and resources to many more to come.
I hope to meet you at one of our future events where you can witness first hand the joys of Creatful!
Paula Skeggs
I’m Paula and I joined Creatful first as an attendee, then as a volunteer and now a director.
I started my working life as an infant teacher; had two fantastic humans, now grown up and left home, and finished my working career running a children’s play cafe with my best friend.
The play cafe closed due to covid and that’s when my mental health first took a dive. Following that and some family issues I had to do a lot of work on improving my self esteem and my mental wellbeing.
After my daughter encouraged me to actually go and meet some ‘real people’ I ventured out to Creatful’s weekly groups.
Being in group is like a friendly hug where I don’t feel judged and have a giggle! Volunteering for Creatful’s many events is good for the soul, I get to spend time with the lovely volunteers and meet new people and their families. And now I feel honoured, as a director , to help support Nancy in her quest to continue helping those in our community.
Our Volunteers
We are supported by an army of kind and compassionate volunteers who understand our cause and believe in what we do. Our volunteers have their own lived experience that enables them to bring compassion and care to their roles. We invite adults of all ages, abilities and skill sets to join our team. From making tea, sharing creative skills to assisting digitally we have many tasks we need support with. Get in touch now to find out more and get involved.
Our Facilitators
Most of our events are facilitated by our founder Nancy. We also work with some external facilitators:
Maryna Melnyk
Maryna is a Ukrainian artist currently running our Ukrainian art programme in Havant and Petersfield.
Maryna studied drawing and fine art as part of her degree in fashion design. Specialising in acrylic and oil paintings, Maryna is inspired by nature, especially sunsets skies and a magic play of light: “In my painting I try to fix a moment, when breath stops from exciting beauty”
The other part of her art is symbolic paintings as a subject of the philosophical and her own reflection. These symbols are reproducing the history of Ukraine and the role of women in national self-determination and protection of new generation.
Ali Smith
I’m Ali, Founder of Healing Feelings. I am a Drawing and Talking Practitioner, Health and Wellbeing Coach and a Mental Health First Aider. My work is rooted in one core belief: everyone deserves to feel heard, valued, and supported especially when navigating their mental health.
Whether its through one to one coaching or creative therapeutic approaches like Drawing and Talking. My goal is to empower people to take ownership of their wellbeing- gently and in a safe place. Over the years I have worked across different settings driven by the same passion: helping others feel seen and supported. I strive to be a calm, steady presence-that’s why I meet each individual where they are and listen without judgement being along side them as they move forward step by step.
Photography Intern
Frankee Hodson
Hey, I’m Frankee and I’m a hardworking and passionate photographer with a love for exploration and continuous learning, always seeking new perspectives. Driven by a strong work ethic and a deep passion for photography, I thrive on capturing the world through my lens. Whether it’s exploring new environments or learning fresh techniques, I’m always eager to grow and push creative boundaries. For me, photography is more than a profession—it’s a way to connect with people, stories, and the beauty in everyday moments. Being able to be Creatful’s photographer gives me the opportunity to see how others come together as a community.
Frankee is available for community event shoots, sports photography and private events. You can contact her via her facebook page here