📩 Now recruiting — Volunteer Treasurer for our Management Committee 🎨 New 18–25 yr arts-based support — partnership with Articulate (Heads On funded) 🌱 Monthly community Action Days — everyone welcome at Stanmer Wellbeing Gardens 💝 £60 helps us build an accessible growing area — donate today 🤝 Weekly art & wellbeing groups in partnership with RISE Brighton 🌿 1:1 art therapy at The Plot with HCPC-registered practitioner — make a referral 📍 Find us at Stanmer Wellbeing Gardens, Brighton BN1 9QA

A therapeutic community garden — Brighton

Creative outdoor space for mental health, community and growth

Free and low-cost access to nature-based psychosocial interventions and creative opportunities for those facing mental health challenges, social upheaval and injustice.

Donate Therapy referrals

Who we are

A sanctuary co-created by its community

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. 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.

What we offer

Nature, creativity, community

From ecotherapy and willow weaving to 1:1 art therapy with HCPC-registered practitioners, The Plot is a place where wellbeing grows.

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Nature connection

Growing, ecotherapy and nature-based activities rooted in the rhythms of the seasons.

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Environmental arts

Pottery, charcoal-making, natural dyeing, willow weaving and camera-less photography.

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Group therapy

Ongoing groups in partnership with local NHS services and community organisations.

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1:1 art therapy

Sessions with HCPC-registered art therapists integrating environmental practice.

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Volunteer days

Weekly volunteer day plus monthly community action days for everyone.

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Public events

One-off seasonal events that spark playfulness and connection.

"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

Funders & supporters

With thanks to

Therapy referrals

1:1 art therapy at The Plot

Calm, contained environment for nurturing a supportive therapeutic relationship — with an HCPC-registered art therapist.

About our 1:1 therapy

1:1 therapy with an HCPC-registered art therapist with additional specialist training in offering sessions that integrate environmental art therapy and nature-centred encounters. The Plot offers a calm containing environment to explore and nurture a supportive therapeutic relationship.

If you would like to discuss 1:1 therapeutic work with The Plot, or you would like to refer someone to us, please email us to check availability (having obtained consent from anyone that you are referring).

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Make a referral

Email us with the person's details (with their consent) and we'll be in touch about availability.

hello@theplotstanmer.org.uk

New 2023–2024

18–25 year old support

The Plot are working in partnership with Articulate to offer arts-based groups for 18–25 year olds, funded by Heads On.

If you are an individual who would like to express your interest, or lead on a local group or service for young adults, please get in touch.

Get in touch

Join us

Vacancies

Continuing to move forward with positivity and purpose — as a community.

Voluntary role

Treasurer, Management Committee

We are looking for a Treasurer to join our passionate and supportive core team. This might suit someone who has a keen interest in nature, spending time outdoors, ideally creative and community-based activities. Approximately 5 hours a month, this is a voluntary position as part of the Management Committee. Some expenses available.

Requirements

Professional financial experience
Time to give — a minimum of around 5 hours a month
Ability to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences
Expertise in understanding and communicating the underlying messages behind financial information
Availability for face-to-face meetings in Brighton & Hove where possible
Pro-active and passionate about working with others
Attention to detail, critical-thinker and problem-solving skills
Interest in supporting the organisation of a small community group

Apply via email Download role pack (PDF)

Deadline: Ongoing

Other ways to help

Volunteering your time, expertise or support

There are many areas that The Plot could be supported in. If you have some time and would like to share your ideas or expertise with us please get in touch. The following are particularly needed currently:

HR

Policy, processes, people support.

Finance support

Bookkeeping, reporting, treasury alongside our committee.

Fundraising

Grant applications, donor cultivation, campaign planning.

Comms & Marketing

Social media, newsletter, storytelling.

Event Co-ordination

Volunteer days, public events, partnership gatherings.

Equity statement. The Plot promotes and celebrates equity, diversity and inclusion. We actively encourage applications from people who bring backgrounds, experience and perspectives that are underrepresented in the outdoor, therapeutic, arts and charity sectors.

Sowing the seeds

Donate

We want The Plot's magic to be enjoyed by as many people as possible from the surrounding area.

General plottings

With your help, we will be able to support children, young people and women survivors of domestic abuse; adults with complex learning needs; young refugees; marginalised 18–25 year olds.

Therapeutic activities include: food growing & harvesting; cooking & nutrition; nature connection; stabilisation & wellbeing; mindfulness & relaxation; play & creativity; traditional nature-based craft; environmental arts; seasonal storytelling; social connection.

Donation tiers