Who we are
The Plot Stanmer is a creative outdoor therapeutic community space supporting mental health, community cohesion and social equality. We exist to provide free and low-cost access to nature-based psychosocial interventions and creative opportunities for those facing mental health challenges, social upheaval, oppression and injustice.
We were established in 2019 within the Stanmer Wellbeing Gardens – a group of sites managed by Brighton & Hove Food Partnership, where people can get involved in food-growing, gardening, education and nature connection activities. In December 2023, we became a CIC.
Our vision is to create a sanctuary space for sharing and nurturing creativity, community spirit and connection. All community members play a part in the growth and development of The Plot Stanmer.
We have been co-creating, building and growing a therapeutic space as a community from the outset and this is our mission and passion ongoing.
Many of The Plot Stanmer community have experiences of mental health difficulties, trauma and social adversity, so bring particularly valuable thoughts and ideas about what a sanctuary means to them and how it can support them.
The core community who have inputted into The Plot Stanmer to date also bring backgrounds in: horticulture and green space management, permaculture, growing, environmental art therapy, forest school, occupational therapy, art therapy, mental health, public health, community development and the arts. With expertise in working with mental health, wellbeing and trauma-focussed interventions – as well as working the land, horticulture, environmental and creative arts – we believe that calling on a range of elements helps everyone to find balance, feel resilient, awaken and celebrate different aspects of themselves. As well as spark respect, compassion, connection and understanding for others within a common ground.
What We Offer
- Nature-connection and nature-based activities; growing; ecotherapy
- Creative arts, environmental arts & native crafts projects: pottery; charcoal-making; natural dying; weaving; working with willow; camera-less photography and natural developing techniques
- Project-based collaborations that creatively use the outside space and natural environment of The Plot and its surroundings to nurture wellbeing, growth and development
- Ongoing groups in partnership with local services and organisations (read more below!)
- One-off events that spark playfulness, explore and respond to the natural environment and the changing seasons
- Team Days & Team Wellbeing
- Practitioner Skill Sharing + Support Sessions
- Public and partnership events that promote community spirit and social connection
- Volunteering opportunities including weekly volunteer day and monthly community action days
- 1:1 and group therapy with registered and experienced practitioners
“Thank you for today this is exactly what was needed – after months of having to just keep going, often isolated. It is wonderful to be up here in person with others, connecting” ~ Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust CAMHS Arts Therapists Skill Sharing + Support Session
Our Partners
We are excited by our growing partnerships with some inspiring local groups.
We are really pleased to be working in partnership with RISE, a Brighton based domestic abuse charity. The Plot has been developed with the help of survivors of domestic abuse. It is used for a weekly art + wellbeing group for young people, a quarterly women’s group, and other gatherings for survivors and their children who are recovering from abuse, as well as the staff working with them.
Other past partners and benefactors include: Articulate; Brighton & Hove Children’s Services – Looked After Children (UASC Team); Brighton & Hove Food Partnership; Brighton Refuge; Clocktower Sanctuary; St John’s College; Release for Women; Sussex NHS Foundation Trust CAMHS; Sussex NHS Foundation Trust arts therapies; The Hummingbird Project; West Sussex Looked After Children Team; YMCA; Young Oasis, among others.
New partnerships for 2023 and 2024, included: working w/ Articulate on arts-based psycho-social support for young adults in Brighton, aged 18-25yrs old (Heads On, SPFT-funded); funding from University of Brighton Centre for Art & Wellbeing for a pottery, earthoven, growing & cooking project w/ young people seeking asylum and refugees.
Our project enables access to a new green space where sensory and grounding activities build resilience and coping strategies. We use the metaphor of nature and the seasons to think about personal growth, healthy relationships and cycles of change – art making, growing, walking and talking together
If you are interested in exploring partnership opportunities, please contact us.
Volunteering
There is a growing group of volunteers who help at The Plot and behind the scenes.
We run regular action days that offer an opportunity to visit The Plot, volunteer for the day and find out more about getting involved.
If you would like to find out about volunteering or get involved in the next action day, please contact us.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with our latest news.
If you can help us to do more, please see our donate page or contact us to talk through your ideas! We have seen a rise in the number of people approaching us, with a hope that their service users can find a healing outdoor space to be supported in. With several potential grants and funding opportunities on pause due to the pandemic we are asking for donations. Please see our donate page or contact us if you think you are able to help!
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