21 September 2023
Waterlooville social enterprise scoops £10,000 from National Lottery scheme
A social enterprise offering creative workshops to support mental health has been awarded a £10,000 grant by The National Lottery Awards for All fund.
Creatful hosts weekly ‘Craft and Chat’ groups in Waterlooville, Fratton and Denmead, along with other creative workshops in and around Portsmouth. The money made from the workshops goes straight back into the business, so it can deliver more for the community.
The funding will enable it to continue its work providing access to crafts, painting and other creative activities that support wellbeing, in a bid to help reduce isolation, encourage group activity and support mental health.
Leading charity, Community First, helped Creatful to secure the funding and has provided payroll services and advice on how to run a social enterprise, since the project began in 2021.
Creatful founder Nancy Fellows said: “Since the launch of Creatful, funding has always been on my mind – there were times when we struggled to stay afloat. We’re thrilled to win this grant as it will enable us to continue the work we’re doing.”
“For some of our regulars, the sessions each week are a lifeline. They help them to get out of the house. Without Community First’s support, we wouldn’t be able to continue helping these people.”
“I was nervous about applying for funding, but Community First helped us every step of the way and has given me the confidence to run a community organisation.”
“Community First has given me the confidence to run a community organisation. From the beginning, I’ve worked closely with Naomi and the finance team. They’ve helped me with payroll (and still do) and offered advice around funding and recruiting volunteers.”
Creatful was not eligible to apply for funding straight away, so Community First convinced Nancy to grow the business, which has since taken on nine volunteers, a management team and two directors. With the support of Community First, Nancy met with The National Lottery Awards for All team in early 2023 and was encouraged to apply.
Her application was successful and in September 2023, Creatful received £10,000 from The National Lottery Awards for All grant, which will enable it to continue its work providing access to creative activities that support wellbeing, in a bid to help reduce isolation, encourage group activity and support mental health.
In addition to Craft and Chat, Creatful offers weekend workshops, a creative kids club for 6 – 11-year-olds and one-to-one and group tuition. From marbling and mandala to mindful creativity, attendees can learn a new skill and connect with like-minded people in a relaxed environment.
For more information about Creatful
“I would 100% recommend any voluntary organisation, community group or social enterprise to become a Community First member. The support is unmatched.”
Community First membership is just £10 per year and includes help setting up or developing a community group, payroll services, support sourcing funding and making applications, assistance with volunteer recruitment and more.