Our Values
The core values of #NOLABELS are Create Chat and Connect. These are values taken from Nikkys training as an Occupational Therapist. This ethically run business combines Nikky’s…
- Clinical experience as an Occupational Therapist supporting people with mental health needs.
- Personal experiences of living life in spite of anxiety, depression and recovery from trauma.
- Passion for crafting.
- Desire to share the therapeutic benefit of crafts with others.
- Ability to talk openly and authentically about mental health. Reducing the stigma surrounding ‘mental ill health’ in doing so.
Create
Creative activities bring a wealth of opportunities to support positive mental health. Creating is one way to address the need ‘to do’ while giving opportunities for mindfulness practice. There is evidence that the use of crafts can reduce cortisol levels, and lower blood pressure helping your body move into a restful state - imperative in our fast pace, and stressful lives. Creating also gives us a sense of accomplishment and therefore, enhanced self-esteem and self-worth. According to research carried out by Mind, a fundamental pillar of health is life long learning. The learning of a new craft is a wonderful way to do this.
Chat
#NOLABELS provides a space for talking with like-minded, and empathic people. This is a safe space to talk about all things mental health related. Nikky is on hand to help with informal guidance and information. She also offers groups/workshops, and one-to-one sessions. A key part of #NOLABELS mission is to break down the stigma related to mental health. We all have mental health needs, and #NOLABELS is keen to make talking about mental health usual, normal, and natural..
Connect
Large numbers of people report loneliness as a significant health issue in the UK. #NOLABELS provides a place for a cuppa and a chat which can make a huge difference to someone’s mental health, and general wellbeing. So whenever the Gift Shop is open, anyone is welcome at #NOLABELS for a ‘cuppa and a chat’. Connection to others helps us to feel less alone, and gain much needed support and encouragement along our own ‘life journeys’. This connection is encouraged in everything that #NOLABELS organises including social media content. It is not only our connection with others that is important. We also need to truly connect with ourselves. #NOLABELS provides the space to support you to connect to your internal thoughts and feelings. We encourage mindfulness, and use this within the craft experiences offered.
So why not come and say hello and visit this unique space in the Cotswolds?