Men in Sheds
1
The Pitch
Problem statement
Men’s mental health in Brighton & Hove is in crisis, with the highest suicide rate in the South East (38 suicides per year, 2019-2021). Men account for 75% of all suicides but are far less likely to seek traditional support. Emergency psychiatric admissions in the city are 422.5 per 100,000, nearly double the national average. The cost-of-living crisis has worsened isolation, anxiety, and financial stress. Brighton Men in Sheds provides vital peer support to over 20 men per week, but our current shed is out of use, awaiting landlord repairs. We urgently need funding to continue creative sessions. "This space has given me purpose. Without it, I don’t know where I’d be." – Shed member
Solution
Our goal is to sustain Men in Sheds Brighton, providing weekly creative interventions in an interim space while our shed awaits repairs. This will ensure our vulnerable participants—many struggling with isolation, mental health challenges, and financial hardship—continue to receive vital support. Funding will cover venue hire, facilitator costs, materials, and wellbeing support. We will deliver weekly creative workshops (art, craft and group projects) drop-in peer support sessions, referral partnerships with mental health charities "Because of my partner’s passing I was withdrawn. I’ve come out of my shell since going to Men in Sheds - it’s been such a valuable resource for me." - Phil,
Why are we best placed to deliver?
Fabrica is a Sussex arts charity with over 10 years of experience in creative, community-led mental health projects. We are uniquely positioned to deliver Men in Sheds, supporting 40+ men annually with 500+ hours of contact, reducing isolation and improving well-being through a ‘shoulder to shoulder’ approach. Strong partnerships with UOK and Grassroots Suicide Prevention ensure effective referrals. Our success in creative mental health projects demonstrates our ability to engage vulnerable groups. With expert facilitators and deep community ties, we will sustain and develop Men in Sheds at this critical time.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| Lead Facilitator & Mental Health Support Freelance Staff (delivering creative workshops & wellbeing support) 120 hours (5 hours/week for 24 weeks) @ £20/hour | £2,400 |
| Venue Hire & Utilities (interim space rental, heating, lighting)24 weeks @ £50/week | £1,200 |
| Materials & Equipment (art materials, wood, tools, safety gear, maintenance) | £500 |
| Marketing & Outreach (flyers, digital promotion to reach isolated men, community partnerships) Printing & online advertising | £150 |
| Consumables (tea, coffee, refreshments, workshop supplies) 24 weeks @ £8/week | £192 |
| Volunteer and participant Travel Expenses (supporting peer-led sessions, transport for those in need) | £200 |
| Contingency Fund (for unexpected costs, additional support needs) | £232 |
Beneficiaries
40 people
Who will benefit
Expected impact
Men in Sheds Brighton significantly supports mental health and wellbeing of vulnerable men in our community. Over the next 6 months, we'll engage 30+ men weekly in creative activities that nurture connection, reduce isolation, and provide vital emotional support. Key benefits include: Improved mental health: Participants will experience reductions in anxiety and depression, reduced suicide risk supported by feedback and wellbeing surveys, such as SWEMBS. Enhanced social connections: Men will report stronger social networks and increased involvement in the local community. Better coping strategies: Through peer support and practical activities, participants will develop more effective coping mechanisms, reducing the likelihood of mental health crises. Ongoing participation: The project will cultivate a sense of belonging, with participants committing to the programme and continuing to engage over the 6 months.
Track record
Fabrica has a strong track record in delivering mental health and wellbeing programs, including: • Men in Sheds – A supportive space for practical woodwork projects, encouraging social connection and wellbeing. • Men Who Make – A creative project supporting men with low mental health through skill-building. • Renew & Repurpose – Free workshops for people on low income, offering skills in furniture restoration. • Woven By Us – A Social Prescribing project supporting older people with complex health needs. • Dresscue – A free, inclusive sewing space nurturing creativity and social connection. These programs are designed around the Five Ways to Wellbeing, ensuring a holistic approach to mental health. Fabrica's programmes consistently offer space for creativity, connection, and skill-building. “I only wish I could do more like this more often. I wouldn't feel isolated as much and I would feel I would have purpose.” - Men Who Make participant