At my Mandala workshops I’ll briefly talk about the history of mandala art. Mandalas can be spotted in many cultures throughout time. Ancient Celts used mandala as a way to focus the mind and communicate. Circles, often representing cycles, (life, death, sun, moon) can be seen in surviving art as far back as 20’000 BC. Celtic artisans and craftsmen (and maybe craftswomen, who knows?) developed a language of symbols that went beyond aesthetics to tell stories or symbolise things and [...]

I have been pondering micro connections and the impact they have on my wellbeing and happiness. What do I mean by micro connections? Small everyday interactions with members of my community. In person connections. It could be a phone call with a friend, a few words with the person behind the shop counter, a chat with a neighbour, or striking up a conversation with a fellow parent at the school gate. I always smile at people I pass these days [...]

The 1st-7th June is this year’s volunteer week. I’ve been very lucky to have several volunteers who believe in Creatful join us on our mission since we launched last November. I say thank you to my volunteers at every opportunity and I am sincerely grateful for every second of time they give. However, Volunteers give so much more than ‘time’. I have spent most of the last 6 months working on a voluntary basis so I really understand the passion [...]

It sometimes feels like I am jumping on the “Mental Health” bandwagon. Although having a lifetime history of depression I feel I am allowed to. I am certainly not a victim and am much more than the depression. I have bounced around over the years with good periods balanced out with lows. I have worked and managed to bumble my way through life. I’ve actually had a pretty good and varied life considering! Then lockdown hit and like so many [...]

Why mindful creativity? Nancy Fellows of Creatful explains more about the correlation between creative activities and mental wellbeing. Mental-health issues occur in all parts of our society. The knock-on impact increases social isolation, addiction, self-harm, suicide, criminality, homelessness and more. The pandemic has put increased pressure on NHS mental-health workforces, meaning the already long waiting lists for support are now even longer. Many people are willing to take responsibility for their own wellbeing but don't necessarily have the tools to [...]