ACAVA’s Maxilla Men’s Shed highlighted in new Baring Foundation “Creatively Minded” report
We’re pleased to share that our Maxilla Men’s Shed programme is featured as a case study in the Baring Foundation’s report, “Creatively Minded in the Art Studio: Exploring visual arts offers for and by people with mental health problems”.
Part of the Foundation’s “Creatively Minded” series examining creative opportunities that support mental health across the UK, this report focuses on participatory visual arts – where trained artists work together with people who are not artists – and demonstrates best practice in how they can support mental wellbeing.
We have a long history of working collaboratively with artists and communities, including a 30-year relationship with the NHS, delivering socially engaged programmes which create pathways to employment, job creation, and positive health and wellbeing outcomes.
"Participants have told us that they have found a sense of purpose [...] made new friends and even found people to spend Christmas with."
Maxilla Men’s Shed is a community workshop and makerspace based in North Kensington. Welcoming people of all genders, the Shed provides a unique space for creativity in the community and delivers a significant positive impact on the wellbeing of our members. It was initiated in partnership with the NHS following the Grenfell Tower Fire and is inspired by the International Men’s Shed movement, which aims to reduce social isolation and loneliness by building community, teaching new skills, and encouraging creative expression. Participants often join through word of mouth, or are referred by the NHS and other community groups.
Our model is based on inspiring creativity by providing the community with the resources to develop and maintain a creative practice, and supporting local people to participate in, and create culture on their own terms.
We operate weekly Tinkering Sessions, where everyone is invited to explore creative ideas. We work on personal projects, all whilst socialising and exchanging skills. We also deliver specialist workshops where the community are invited to learn a new creative skill, diversifying and strengthening the peer support network the Shed facilitates.
What's the impact?
improved personal wellbeing through Shed participation
feel more confident tackling new challenges
gained a meaningful sense of social connection
"Coming to the Shed takes my mind off issues [...] puts me in a better frame of mind to deal with other situations later in the week."
