August 2026

All About Me

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A Little About Me

Before creating Art Wellbeing Workshop, I spent many years working in caring and supportive roles with both adults and children.

I worked as a carer for 17 years, supporting people with different needs and learning just how important patience, understanding and being truly listened to can be.

I then moved into education, working as a Teaching Assistant in a specialist school for autistic and neurodivergent children and young people aged 4–19. During this time, I developed and delivered one-to-one art wellbeing sessions, creating a calm and welcoming space where children could relax, create and communicate without pressure.

My experience is supported by training in areas including art therapy, child psychology, counselling, neuropsychology and child development, play therapy, anxiety and stress, anger management, dyslexia awareness and supporting children with additional needs.

But qualifications are only part of what I bring.

Years of caring and working closely with children have taught me that behaviour is often communication, that every child experiences the world differently, and that sometimes the best conversations happen when we’re not sitting face-to-face talking.

Sometimes they happen while we’re painting, drawing, making something wonderfully messy or simply sitting quietly together.

That experience became the heart of Art Wellbeing Workshop — a calm, creative space where children can feel safe, understood and free to be themselves.

Welcoming all children, with specialist support for neurodivergent children.

🐙 Art Wellbeing Workshop
Creating calm through creativity.

Nicola Millward Art Wellbeing Practitioner

 

 

🎨❤️Why I created the Workshop❤️🎨

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🎨❤️Why I Created Art Wellbeing Workshop❤️🎨

I created Art Wellbeing Workshop because I have seen first-hand just how powerful creativity can be for a child’s wellbeing.

While working with children and young people, particularly those who are neurodivergent, I noticed that some children found it much easier to relax, communicate and express themselves when they were creating rather than being expected to sit and talk.

Give a child some paint, pencils, clay or something interesting to make, take away the pressure to talk, and sometimes the conversation comes naturally.

I wanted to create a space where children could simply be themselves.

A place where there is no pressure to create the perfect picture, no right or wrong way to make something and no expectation that they have to explain how they are feeling.

The art is not about being “good at art”. It is about the experience of creating — slowing down, exploring, expressing feelings, building confidence and enjoying that moment.

My own experience working with neurodivergent children has also taught me that every child is completely individual. What helps one child to feel calm and comfortable may be totally different for another. That is why I take the time to get to know each child and adapt sessions around their interests, strengths, needs and personality.

Art Wellbeing Workshop grew from something I genuinely love doing — using creativity to help children feel safe, seen, understood and proud of who they are.

🐙 Creating calm through creativity.

Creating Calming Environments

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Why I Create a Calming Environment

I believe children are more able to relax, create and communicate when they feel safe, comfortable and unhurried.

That is why I put a lot of thought into the environment around each child. I use things such as soft lighting, sensory lights, calming music, comfortable spaces, creative materials and fidget or sensory items to help make sessions feel welcoming rather than clinical or formal.

For some children, particularly neurodivergent children, busy environments, bright lights, lots of noise or too many demands can feel overwhelming. Creating a calmer space can help reduce some of that pressure and allow the child to settle in at their own pace.

There is no expectation to sit perfectly still, make eye contact or talk about feelings. A child might want to draw while we chat, use a fidget, listen to music, explore the materials or simply take some time to become comfortable in the space.

I want children to walk into an Art Wellbeing Workshop session and feel that they can just be themselves.

When a child feels calm and accepted, creativity can become a wonderful way to explore, express and connect.

🐙 A calm space. A creative space. A space to be you.

I believe children are more able to relax, create and communicate when they feel **safe, comfortable and unhurried**. That is why I put a lot of thought into the environment around each child. I use things such as **soft lighting, sensory lights, calming music, comfortable spaces, creative materials and fidget or sensory items** to help make sessions feel welcoming rather than clinical or formal. For some children, particularly neurodivergent children, busy environments, bright lights, lots of noise or too many demands can feel overwhelming. Creating a calmer space can help reduce some of that pressure and allow the child to settle in at their own pace. There is no expectation to sit perfectly still, make eye contact or talk about feelings. A child might want to draw while we chat, use a fidget, listen to music, explore the materials or simply take some time to become comfortable in the space. I want children to walk into an Art Wellbeing Workshop session and feel that they can **just be themselves**. When a child feels calm and accepted, creativity can become a wonderful way to explore, express and connect. 🐙 **A calm space. A creative space. A space to be you.**

What happens next?

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What Happens When You Contact Me?

Getting in touch is the first step, and there is absolutely no pressure or commitment.

We’ll arrange a free initial consultation, giving you the opportunity to tell me a little about your child, what they enjoy, their strengths and interests, and anything they may currently be finding difficult.

We can talk about what you would like your child to gain from the sessions and anything that might help them feel comfortable, safe and relaxed.

This is particularly important for neurodivergent children, as every child has their own individual needs, preferences and ways of communicating.

I will then use what I have learned about your child to think about how I can make their sessions personal to them. Activities can be adapted around their interests and needs — there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

When your child begins, the focus is first and foremost on helping them feel comfortable and building trust. They will never be pressured to talk, create something in a particular way or discuss feelings before they are ready.

We can simply start by creating, exploring and getting to know one another.

As sessions continue, I can keep you updated and we can review how your child is getting on together.

💜 It all begins with a friendly conversation.

 

 

Contact Me

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Contact Me

Nicola Millward
Art Wellbeing Practitioner
🐙 Art Wellbeing Workshop

📧 Email: ArtWellbeingWorkshopNM@outlook.com
🌐 Website: artwellbeingworkshop.uk
📱 Instagram: @ArtWellbeingWorkshop

Free initial consultations available for parents and carers.

Creating calm through creativity. 💜