The Plot is a creative community wellbeing space emerging amongst the mint and nettles at Stanmer Park, on the outskirts of Brighton. Established in 2019, The Plot is part of 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.

Our vision is to create a sanctuary space for sharing and nurturing creativity, community spirit and connection - the elements we see as vital for personal and collective growth and wellbeing.

This means continuing to co-create, build and grow a therapeutic space with our community – many of who have experiences of trauma and bring valuable thoughts and ideas about what a sanctuary means to them and how it can support them.

We are a group of individuals bringing backgrounds in environmental art therapy, forest school, occupational therapy, art therapy, mental health, public health, community development and the arts – to form The Plot collective. 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.

All community members play a part in the growth and development of The Plot.