About the Creator 

About Hayley Rennie – Creator, Mentor, Maker
Hi, I’m Hayley – the hands and heart behind Lollygag. I work as a Specialist Mental Health and Neurodiversity Mentor at the University of Sheffield, supporting disabled university students at all levels, with a recent focus on postgraduate researchers. I’ve worked in education for nearly 30 years – beginning as a teacher of philosophy and religion and now specialising in inclusive mentoring and mental health support in higher education.

My contributions have been recognised nationally and locally: I received the University of Sheffield Students’ Union Overall Contribution to Wellbeing Award (2021), was Highly Commended for Academic Tutoring at the 2023 Academic Awards, and was shortlisted for the 2024 National UMHAN Mental Health Award for Embedding Student Mental Health Across an Institution. I’m a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and an accredited Specialist Mentor with a strong belief in the social model of disability.

Lollygag is where my creative side comes to life. I handcraft worry stones and polymer clay pieces designed to soothe, ground, and bring comfort – each one made with sensory awareness, care, and a bit of joy. My work is inspired by neurodivergent experiences, nature, and the quiet rituals that help us feel more at home in ourselves.

I also create bold, playful jewellery inspired by dopamine dressing – the idea of wearing what lifts your mood and reflects your personality, without worrying about trends or rules. Lollygag jewellery is colourful, sensory-friendly, and made to celebrate self-expression in all its forms.

Whether I’m supporting students or shaping clay, everything I do centres on care, accessibility, and the belief that everyone deserves space to feel seen, supported, and safe.

Explore my creations at: lollygaggifts.square.site