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.

We sat down with Simon and Holleigh to talk about Phil and the PMA grant, and his legacy.

What was Phil like as a person and a performer, and how did he inspire those around him at 53two?

Holleigh Stevenson: Phil was an incredible talent, full of charism and joy. He gave so much to others around him that he was a joy to work with and his performance of John Proctor is stuff of legends, still talked about years later. He was the lead actor who spent his time ensuring the rest of the ensemble was okay, reminding all of us to keep a Positive Mental Attitude.

Simon Naylor: As a Batman fan, his role in ‘The Batman’ was his crowning glory and exactly what he was aiming for – childhood dreams coming true! Phil was someone who always saw the positive. His mentality, in work or socially, was always ‘can do’ and this spread around a room or group so quickly. He was a leader, a strong willed, passionate and superb actor who had an ability to use his vulnerability for maximum effect.

Can you share the moment or conversation that sparked the idea for the PMA Grant and what it means to you personally?

Holleigh: There was an overwhelming need for Phil to have a legacy, we wanted him to be remembered and all that he loved and cared for to be passed on to others, even if he wasn’t here to do it himself anymore. Simon from 53Two suggested we use the 53Two charity to build a grant in his name and I think we all knew what an amazing idea it was. We really haven’t looked back since that first conversation. It means we can help others going through their own struggles, whatever they may be, to be able to focus on doing the thing they love. Phil loved being an actor and we hope this gives more creatives an opportunity to grow and thrive even through challenges.

Simon: I think the night it occurred to me, I was sat in my local watching United – probably losing. As Phil was such a big fan, the games often started a flurry of messages in the group – usually expressing how vocal he would have been about a terrible tactical decision or a dodgy through-ball. I noticed how much love there was for Phil, just in this one group. His closest pals, all still talking about him. It made sense to me that if we had this much passion to keep his name in everyone’s minds, we could do something much more impactful than sharing his brilliance with just ourselves. So, I pinged a tentative message to the gang and the response was, obviously, overwhelming.

What kind of impact do you hope the grant will have on artists facing mental health struggles, and how do you see it evolving in the future?

Holleigh: This grant is about supporting creatives with maintenance in order to give them time and space to take care of themselves, their mental well-being and to invest in their future. We are working to be as reactive as possible to ensure we can support people when they need it most and we hope to continue for as long as we can. The future will always include creatives and we hope in future to not only support individuals but also organisations that want to produce work which aligns with our values.

Simon: Quite simply, this grant will, without question, help people – artists and, those using art to better their mental health. The steering group are just a small section of the full team and the passion – a word I’ll keep coming back to, that Phil grew in us all – is clear. We have a joint, solid goal – to use what is a devastating situation to help others – I’m in no doubt, this grant has the potential to save lives, hopefully for many years to come.

What message do you want to share with others who may be struggling in the arts industry today?

Holleigh: Creating art is crucial, we need you, we need your work, passion and commitment and to do that we need you, the artist, to be the best you you can be. Taking a break, asking for help and reaching out for support is the very best thing you can do for you. We hope to spread the message that there are so many ways to get help and it is okay to not be okay.

Simon: Talk to your pals. The arts in particular can have a crushing effect on wellbeing – we fly high, embrace the success, but then the next minute we’re back to square one and waiting for the next job. But this is also about using art to help those who aren’t in the industry. The best way to help is to talk, and/or listen. Ask your mates if they’re ok, then ask them again. Talking can often feel like you’re being a burden but, for your pals, it’s anything but. Always talk, always reach out.

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