A project set up in honour of a youth worker to provide mental health support for young black men cannot survive without more funding, according to its parent charity.
Manor Gardens Welfare Trust aims to build a space in which the project can thrive at their centre in Tollington.
The project is in memory of Fabian Buxton who worked at Manor Gardens. It has currently only operated an initial session. Mr Buxton passed away in October 2023 after a prolonged struggle with his mental health. An inquest is to be held to determine the factors that led to Mr Buxton’s death.
Laura Thomas-Hockey, head of partnerships and development, said: “To run a project, you need around £57,000 a year… we want something that creates a legacy [for Fabian]. If we can’t fundraise the project we can’t run it.”
Efforts by friends and family and an online funding page have raised £25,000.
Ms Thomas-Hockey spoke at the Emirates Stadium recently to encourage funders to provide longer-term support.
According to the mental health charity Mind, black men are ten times more likely to be diagnosed with a severe mental illness. Fabian’s Place aims to help those in need of support through group work and sessions with mental health professionals.
MA Newspaper Journalism at City, University of London. Bylines in MyLondon, Clash Magazine, DIY Magazine, and more. Freelance Arts and Culture Journalist.