About Us
Creative Connections is a non-profit community creative hub in the heart of Alfreton, created with a simple belief: that creativity has the power to bring people together, build confidence, support wellbeing and strengthen communities.
We wanted to create somewhere that feels different. A warm, welcoming and inclusive space where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to create, connect, learn, relax and feel part of something.
At Creative Connections, you’ll find our cosy café serving home-cooked food, a pottery painting studio, creative workshops and groups, a gift shop celebrating local makers, flexible community spaces and a quirky, relaxing garden. But for us, Creative Connections has always been about much more than what happens inside the building.
Our Story
Creative Connections grew from a shared passion for arts, education, health, wellbeing and community.
Our founders bring together a diverse range of experience spanning creative arts, business, education, SEND, equality and inclusion, retail, leadership, health and wellbeing, and working with children and families.
We recognised that while Alfreton has a strong and diverse community, opportunities to take part in accessible, affordable creative activities locally can be limited. Many activities for children and young people are sports-based, while people looking for creative connection, opportunities to learn new skills, or simply a welcoming place to belong may need to travel further afield.
We wanted to help change that.
So Creative Connections was created as a place where creativity is not about being “good at art”. It’s about having a go, discovering something new, sharing skills, meeting people and experiencing the enjoyment that creativity can bring.
More Than Just a Café
Our café sits at the heart of our hub and reflects the same values that run through everything we do: warmth, inclusion and community.
We serve delicious home-cooked food and proudly support local suppliers, including local butchers, bakers and coffee suppliers wherever possible.
We also believe that people with allergies, intolerances and dietary requirements should not have to compromise or feel excluded when eating out. That’s why we’re passionate about offering a wide range of choices, including plenty of gluten-free and vegan options.
Whether you’re meeting a friend for coffee, enjoying lunch with family, taking a quiet moment for yourself or joining us for a creative activity, we want you to feel comfortable and welcome.
Creativity for Everyone
We believe that arts and culture should be accessible to everyone.
Our programme includes pottery painting, creative workshops, social groups, family activities, children’s sessions, seasonal events and opportunities to learn new skills. We offer both pre-bookable experiences and relaxed drop-in activities, helping people take part in a way that works for them.
Our activities are designed for a wide range of ages, abilities and experience levels. Whether you’re an experienced maker, a complete beginner, a child discovering creativity for the first time or an adult returning to something you once loved, there is a place for you here.
Supporting Wellbeing Through Creativity
Creativity can be about so much more than making something beautiful.
It can provide an opportunity to slow down, focus on the present moment, build confidence, learn new skills and connect with others. For people experiencing loneliness or isolation, simply having a welcoming place to visit can make a meaningful difference.
Our long-term vision is to continue developing opportunities that use creativity to support health, wellbeing, connection and stronger community ties, while working alongside local organisations, practitioners and community partners.
Championing Local Artists & Makers
Creative Connections is also a platform for the incredible creative talent that exists within our local area.
Through our gift shop, Rent a Shelf opportunities, workshops, collaborations and events, we aim to support local artists, makers and crafters by giving them opportunities to showcase their work, share their skills and connect with new audiences.
When you shop, eat, create or attend an event with us, you’re helping us continue to support a wider network of local creativity.
Our Values
Everything we do is shaped by the values at the heart of Creative Connections:
Caring. Respect. Encouragement. Accessibility. Togetherness. Innovation. Vision. Equality.
We want to create a space where people are welcomed without judgement, where different needs are respected, where creativity is encouraged and where everyone has the opportunity to participate.
Our Vision for Alfreton
Our vision is to create a thriving creative community hub that enhances the lives of people living in and around Alfreton through arts, culture and connection, while celebrating and supporting the artists and creative practitioners already working within our local area.
We want Creative Connections to be a place where friendships begin, ideas grow, skills are shared and people feel part of their community.
A place to eat.
A place to create.
A place to connect.
A place to belong.
Welcome to Creative Connections.
Meet Our Directors
Victoria Garside - Director
Hi, I’m Victoria! I’m a qualified teacher with over 20 years’ experience, specialising in Key Stage 1 education, and I’ve spent many years working in a local primary school. I love helping young people build confidence, discover their strengths and feel encouraged to be themselves.
I’m the Junior Coordinator at a local cricket club, where I help children develop new skills, build friendships and experience the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a team. I’m also a Mental Health Ambassador, reflecting my passion for supporting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing.
I am passionate about creativity and how the arts can encourage self-expression and support wellbeing. Creativity can help people relax, build confidence, connect with others and find moments of joy.
At Creative Connections, I’m passionate about helping to create a warm, friendly and inclusive space where all members of the community can come together, try something new and feel genuinely welcome.
Cerian Moncaster - Director
Hi, I’m Cerian! Creativity has always been a big part of my life, and I love seeing how the arts can bring people together, build confidence and support wellbeing. I have a strong interest in following both local and national Arts in Health strategies, and I’m passionate about exploring how creativity can help create a healthier, happier and more connected community in Alfreton.
Before Creative Connections, I owned and ran my own fabric and haberdashery business for nine years, combining my love of creativity with supporting customers to develop their own skills and ideas.
Community has always been incredibly important to me, and over the years I’ve supported and fundraised for local children, families and projects through roles including PTA Chair, School Governor and Neighbourhood Creative Agent.
At Creative Connections, I’m passionate about creating a warm, welcoming space where people can discover creativity in their own way, make meaningful connections and feel part of our community.
Catherine Brown - Director
Hi, I’m Catherine! I’ve have spent over 12 years working in alternative education, supporting children and young people with a wide range of individual needs. With a strong background in SEND, equality, diversity and inclusion, I’m passionate about helping people feel welcomed, valued and able to take part – whatever their needs or circumstances.
Outside of work, I’m also a Child Welfare Officer, a role that reflects how much I care about creating safe, supportive and inclusive spaces where children can thrive.
When I get a little time to myself, you’ll often find me curled up with a good book or enjoying art projects like crochet or drawing– both perfect ways to slow down and recharge.
At Creative Connections, I love being part of something that brings people together. I’m passionate about breaking down barriers and creating a warm, welcoming community where everyone has the opportunity to connect, be creative and feel that they truly belong.