Friends unite to launch mental health grant in memory of actor

In 2024, the artistic community lost a bright light.

Phil Michael Aizlewood, a beloved actor and cherished friend of 53two Arches community in Manchester, took his own life, leaving a ripple effect of grief, shock, and reflection that reached far beyond the local arts scene.

Phil was more than a phenomenal actor. He was the person who filled rooms with laughter, compassion, and quiet strength. His death was a tragic reminder of the invisible struggles many face, even as they bring so much joy and beauty to others.

Out of this heartbreak, something profoundly hopeful is beginning to grow. Led by Simon Naylor, Creative Director of 53two, and a collective of Phil’s closest friends, the PMA Grant has been established, a new initiative designed to offer tangible support to artists and individuals connected to the arts, particularly those facing mental health challenges.

What is the PMA Grant?

The PMA Grant, named in honour of Phil Michael Aizlewood, is a fund that will be awarded annually to individuals or groups working within the arts. At its core, this grant is about making sure no one feels as alone as Phil did, offering lifelines to those whose well-being is often overshadowed by the pressures of creative life.

What makes this grant unique is its foundation in friendship and community action. A group of Phil’s friends and colleagues have each pledged to contribute a small annual donation. Together, these funds will become a pool of hope, directed toward meaningful causes each year.

The PMA Grant is operated under the umbrella of 53two, a registered charity (No.1179418), ensuring transparency and accountability. A Steering Committee, made up of donors, will propose where the money should go,  but every allocation will ultimately be approved by 53two’s Board, ensuring thoughtful and fair distribution.

Who can the PMA Grant help?

The vision of the PMA Grant is broad but focused. It aims to support individuals and groups connected to the arts, especially those who are vulnerable or underserved. This could include:

Artists and creatives struggling with mental health who need support for projects or personal development. Arts initiatives that actively raise awareness around mental health or use creative tools to improve well-being.

Drama school students, for whom expenses like accommodation, materials, and audition fees can be prohibitive. Underrepresented individuals who face barriers to accessing arts education or opportunities, whether that’s attending a workshop, gaining training, or taking part in community art projects.

Community groups working to provide arts education for people who might not otherwise have access. Personal development or mental health programs that use the arts as a form of healing and connection. What the PMA Grant will not fund is straightforward: it won’t pay for show or film productions,  unless they have a direct link to mental health advocacy or awareness.

How much, and how often?

Each recipient can be awarded up to £1,000, and no one can receive more than one grant in a 12-month period. Importantly, the recipients are asked to report back on how the grant has helped — ensuring that Phil’s legacy creates a real, measurable impact.

Building a lasting legacy for Phil Michael Aizlewood

Funds are collected via 53two’s secure fundraising platform, Donr, and are ring-fenced as restricted funds, meaning they can only be used for the purposes defined by the grant. Administrative fees will be covered, so every penny donated goes where it’s needed most.

Simon Naylor, reflecting on the journey to create this grant, said: “Phil’s passing left us devastated, but also made us determined to do something lasting. The PMA Grant is about carrying Phil’s light forward, reaching out to others in dark places and saying: you are not alone. You matter. And we’re here to help.”

In a world where conversations around mental health are still often hushed, especially in the arts, the PMA Grant stands as a bold, compassionate act of love and remembrance.

It’s a promise: Phil’s story will not be the end. It will be the beginning of helping others find their way back to hope. For more information, to apply, or to become a Donor, please visit 53two’s website here