New creative lifeline for women in Leigh Park thanks to £20,000 National Lottery Grant
A Havant-based social enterprise using creativity to support mental health was awarded £20,000 of National Lottery funding, thanks to support from charity Community First.
The funding has supported the launch of a new creative group for women in Leigh Park facing challenging times.
Creatful CIC offers creative workshops that use art, craft, and connection as tools for healing, empowerment, and recovery. The organisation works with adults of all ages and abilities, with a particular focus on women facing some of life’s toughest challenges – including poor mental health, addiction, homelessness, abuse, and contact with the Criminal Justice System.
The funding enabled Creatful to expand its women’s arts, crafts, and wellness groups into Leigh Park, which provides a safe, trauma-informed space where participants can rebuild confidence, find community, and begin to thrive.
Creativity can be powerful for reclaiming a sense of safety, strength, and possibility, paving the way toward developing lived-experience leadership.
Creatful founder Nancy Fellows said: “This funding helps us to provide tailored, trauma-informed support that empowers women in their recovery and transformation. Many of the women we work with have experienced violence or trauma, and these spaces are vital to helping them feel safe and supported. With the right environment, creativity becomes a powerful tool for healing.”
Since its launch in September, the group has already made a measurable impact, with two-thirds of participants reporting they were thriving after just seven sessions, compared with the majority previously feeling “wobbly” or “drained.”
Creatful is challenging harmful narratives, breaking down stigma and driving systemic changes that strengthen the lives of its members and the wider community.
Nancy added: “Our partnership with Community First has been a lifeline. Their advice and guidance have helped us navigate the responsibilities of community leadership and secure this National Lottery funding. Quite honestly, we wouldn’t still be here without their support.”
Community First, a leading Hampshire charity, has supported Creatful since its early days, helping the team to access funding opportunities, strengthen their governance, and grow their services. The collaboration continues and will focus on securing a longer-term funding in line with the reviewed strategic objectives.
Creatful runs creative groups and workshops across the Solent. The Leigh Park women’s group meets every Wednesday at 10:30am at Leigh Park Centre and is free to attend.
For more information about Creatful see https://www.creatful.co.uk/
For details about Community First membership, visit https://www.cfirst.org.uk/join-us/