The Wide-Hearted Ethos
The idea for the Academy of Wide-Hearted Living came from a desire to share my wonder at the power of creativity and the wisdom it brings.
Creativity makes life better. I don’t just believe it. I know it. Through my own experiences, I’ve learned that tapping into our inner creative (yes, you really do have one) gives you the power to live more joyfully.
We’re all born creative. Sadly, some of us get it squashed out at a young age. All is not lost! That creativity stays within us. It is a fundamental part of our individual human make-up. I can help you reconnect to yours, embrace your uniqueness and live more fully; at home and at work. I can’t wait to welcome you in.
To deliver a wide-hearted, fully-rounded programme I bring together some wonderful experts to support me at the Academy. I choose these people because I love working with them, and I’d like you to get to know them too! See below for more details.
“Life can be brilliant yet quietly brutal. There are no magic wands, but creativity can help you feel more alright, more of the time”.
“It was fascinating and fun - we all laughed a lot and I left feeling like I had done something worthwhile, that stayed with me.”
- Erica, Production Manager, 2020
Our Model of Wellbeing
The skills we help develop and the strategies we share are simple and practical. They don’t require any fancy kit or special space. And they have a wide range of applications. One size does not fit all, so we talk about a toolkit. The more well-stocked the toolkit, the easier it is to respond to challenges at work and home. We have developed a model of wellbeing that reflects this toolkit approach, making it easier to choose the right courses for you or your teams.
Nurture
Sometimes we need a breather from everyday life to restore our equilibrium. To connect to ourselves and the people around us. We need a bloody good belly laugh.
Explore
Increasing our understanding of what makes us tick, helps us handle life better. Developing new skills and different ways of responding gives us power.
Transform
Stuck in a rut? Know you want something more from life, just not sure what it is? Our programme will help you figure it out.
It's time to shine.
More About Melissa and Wide-Hearted Living
Melissa Noble (she/her)
Hello, I’m Melissa. I'm a nature-loving, all-round creative, neuro-spicy CIS woman, living in Devon with my love, Nicky and her dog Lola.
Connecting with my creativity changed my life and it’s my mission to get as many people as possible to get connected to theirs so they can experience the joy it brings.
I’ve had a really varied working life – mostly in Social Care, often working with Older people, though I have experience of working with people with profound and complex need, and those with learning challenges . In 2018, I trained as a Humanist Funeral Celebrant. Every ceremony was a reminder of how precious life is and this set me on a journey of personal discovery – what did I need to do, to make the most of my life? What conditions did I need to thrive, to really come alive?
We all have these questions bubbling away. Figuring it out is tricky! I spent a long period feeling very lost. Had my own struggles with using substances – to feel comfortable, to have fun, to fit in, to numb pain. I’ve done a lot of inner work and had support from various modalities of therapists and healers. Creativity has formed an integral part of my own healing journey. In 2015 I did The Artist’s Way and it was the beginning of me changing my life. I moved from Brighton to Devon in 2020 and really had to learn to stand on my own two feet. Creativity (and the woods) were my support system. Ever since then, I’ve been deepening my understanding of just how much magic it can bring.
My hope is that the Academy can make it easier for other people to find their ease and happiness. I would love to help you find your thing, find more joy, find yourself. If this sounds like something you want, please do get in touch.
1992 BSc. Applied Social Science Hons: (Health Studies) 2:1
2008 CIPD Certificate in Training Practice: Distinction
2018 City & Guilds: Art and Design: Merit
2019 BACP Level 3 Certificate: Counselling Skills
2024 CMI Level 2 Certificate: Coaching & Mentoring Skills
Our Mission
We are here to serve ‘Changemakers’ - people who take action to make the world a better place.
What are 'Changemakers'
“Changemakers …. may have no ties to an organisation; they may take action as an individual or as part of a group; they may organise as a part of broader community or they may work within a formal organisation.”
‘What is A Changemaker Report’, Ashoka, 2016*
What about people who want to make a difference but don't know how?
We recognise that there are many people who WANT to make a difference but are not sure where to begin. Therefore, we are extending that definition to include people who want to take action but are currently unable because of their personal circumstance. We want to help lift people up so they feel able to play a positive role in the world.
More about my colleagues:
Hannah Barth
Hannah Barth is a registered nutritionist and NHS nurse with a passion for helping people reconnect with their bodies through food, movement and daily habits that actually fit busy lives. She makes food that’s joyful and nourishing, helping you stay balanced.
Special focus: boosting energy, gut health, immune support and hormone regulation.
Karen (Canny) Marshall
Karen Marshall is a marketing consultant and coach with a passion for design and problem solving. She’s known for helping people get things moving and making ideas happen. She is also an open water swim coach and swim teacher, bringing the same calm, confidence-building approach to time in and by the sea.
Special focus: marketing and business clarity, communications, confidence building and purpose design.
Sarah Leppard
Sarah Leppard is a neurodiversity coach and advocate who supports individuals to better understand how their brains work and find ways of working and living that feel more natural and sustainable. She creates thoughtful, inclusive spaces for reflection, learning and practical change.
Special focus: neurodivergent support, self-understanding, energy management, reducing overwhelm and building personalised strategies.
Our Community Projects
As well as our offers for Workplace Wellbeing and our courses and programmes for individuals, we have been fortunate to receive funding to support our community projects.
Wintering Well
In December 2025 we received funding from the National Lottery to deliver an online programme for isolated home-working Changemakers. The programme included group coaching, co-working, creativity and connection sessions, plus a series of workshops. 30 people took part. 100% of final-survey respondants said that they would recommend the programme to a friend.
Time to Shine Together
In September 2025 we began partnering with Together Drug and Alcohol Services to deliver a creative recovry programme. We have subsequently received funding from the Police and Crime commision and are about to enter the next phase of the project.
Tree Treasure Trail
Our inaugural Tree Treasure Trail, in partnership with Our Pavilion Community Cafe was a resounding success. Set in Newton Abbot's Forde Park, it was part of the international If Trees Could Talk festival. Significant Seams are co-ordinating some fabulous events in Devon and we are so excited to be part of it! Read more in the report.