We Are All A Bit Bananas

Aim

We want to raise funds to create a sustainable bank of resources for our mental health community group

A bit of background

Continuity of care, creativity, connection, community and a sense of belonging really does save lives.

 After many years of brutal budget cuts in mental health services there has been a big shift from providing long term preventative activities and support for Brighton and hove residents with chronic, severe and enduring mental health challenges towards a tokenistic short term approach. I worked at the Wellbeing hub at Preston Park for 14.5 years where we had been open 7 days a week offering a wide range of free holistic activities, and a cafe and an experienced staff team, there is now only 8 hours a week on offer and the staff team has been slashed in half. Clients campaigned tirelessly to prevent the cuts to no avail. My role was made redundant this year, and I do not want to be part of a system that does not value preventative care and community. Therefore I have decided to set up another safe space to let that community continue to flourish. We want to reclaim our madness, hence 'We are all a bit bananas' as uniqueness and find joy in connection and creativity.

What happens at 'We Are All A Bit Bananas' community group?

We meet weekly on a Monday at One Church Florence Road who have kindly offered us a space to meet. On occasions when we cannot meet there we will meet at Hove Museum, or other community venues.

We include

• Peer led, co-created activities and natural organic peer support
• Neurodivergent friendly, with ear defenders, fidget toys, and a quiet space available in case of feeling overstimulated
• Wheelchair accessible (including toilet) and activities will be inclusive of all abilities

We have

• An anti-stress colouring table
• A jigsaw puzzle table
• A quiet reading area/room to have a moment of calm
• Tea, coffee, squash and fruit and biscuits people can help themselves to.

We have a timetable of activities that will include

• Meditation/grounding tools
• Dancing for Fun
• Singing for Fun
• Art (a led activity or people can work on their own projects)
• A Silent Book Club (to encourage adult literacy, and discussion afterwards

What are we fundraising for?

• Art materials, for example paintbrushes, printing ink, pens
• Photocopies of resources
• Taxi fares for the most vulnerable/disabled
• Tea, coffee, milk, squash, biscuits, fruit (especially bananas)
• jigsaw puzzles and games
• A contribution to the venue (One Church Florence Road) towards heating and lighting costs

Testimonial

"This new community group that Ali set up has been an absolute lifesaver. After horrendous cuts to the Wellbeing Hub including the wellbeing activities and also the support of all the wonderful staff we have been devastated and some clients have been going into crisis. But now, out of her own time and expense, Ali has set up a new Wellbeing service every Monday for the existing clients. We do meditation, singing, dancing, art and book club and also meet up with our friends we have made along the years and eat lunch together. It is an amazing group, a welcome space to connect with everyone and has massively helped with my recovery. I really hope it can continue " 

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 24th November 2026 at 4:17pm