MISSION & PASSION
At Touchy-Feely, we are a passionate organisation committed to educating, empowering, and amplifying the voices of women affected by cancer, particularly those from underrepresented ethnic groups. We campaign for better representation and the creation of inclusive resources, while offering essential support to those who need it most. We strive to foster a space where every woman feels seen, heard, and empowered, rallying together to bring awareness, promote self-advocacy, and ensure that no one faces their breast cancer journey alone.
COMMUNITY & CONVERSATION
We create safe, inclusive environments where women can openly share their experiences and connect with others who truly understand their journey. By fostering this dialogue, we dismantle stigma, reduce isolation, and replace it with a strong, supportive network. This peer-to-peer model not only builds trust and resilience but also enhances mental wellbeing, strengthens community bonds, and empowers women to navigate cancer with greater confidence and dignity. The impact is clear: participants leave feeling less alone, more informed, and better equipped to advocate for themselves - outcomes that ripple out into families, communities, and future generations.
EDUCATION
We deliver culturally competent education that meets people where they are. We believe that education isn’t limited to awareness. We teach, support, and guide women through every stage of their wellbeing journey; from prevention to life after treatment. Our approach is rooted in cultural competence, compassion, and community. We know that healing doesn’t end when treatment does. Many are left searching for what comes next, for care that speaks to their lived experience, honours their body’s changes, and nurtures their emotional health. Through our workshops, circles, and programmes, we closely with experts to provide that bridge: a space to learn, unlearn, and rebuild.
Our Founder
Nellie’s Story
When Nellie discovered a lump in her breast during pregnancy, her midwife reassured her it was likely a blocked milk duct. But not long after, during her third pregnancy, she found another lump, this time in her armpit.
In October 2023, at her post-natal discharge appointment, Nellie voiced her concern to her GP, who immediately referred her for a biopsy. Two weeks later, she received the devastating news: it was breast cancer that had already spread to her lymph nodes. By November 2023, she underwent a lumpectomy, and on December 27th, 2023, she began preparation for her first round of chemotherapy.
The turning point came when Nellie was handed a set of Macmillan leaflets when she learnt about her diagnosis. As she flicked through them, she was struck by an overwhelming sense of isolation. There were no images, no voices, no stories of women like her, her age, her race, her experience. That absence sparked something powerful.
Instead of retreating, Nellie chose to speak out. She began sharing her journey openly with her community of more than 150,000 people on Instagram and TikTok. What she sought was not just treatment, but connection, representation, and a sense of belonging. Through her vulnerability, she built exactly that through Touchy-Feely – a community and organisation where Black women could see themselves reflected, supported, and never alone.
