A Pop-up with Purpose: Community Collaboration Brings Wellbeing & Sustainability To Horsham
This May 2026, an empty retail unit in Swan Walk Shopping Centre has been transformed into a vibrant community hub—demonstrating the power of collaboration to support both people and planet.
In an inspiring joint initiative, Men’s Shed Horsham and Sussex Green Living have come together to launch a month-long pop-up shop focused on wellbeing, sustainability, and community connection. They are joined by Menshare and SEN Shed, creating a diverse and inclusive programme of activities across the week.
Open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am–4pm throughout May, the pop-up offers a dynamic, shared space, where visitors can explore practical ways to live more sustainably, while connecting with local initiatives.
This collaboration builds on a growing partnership between Men’s Shed Horsham and Sussex Green Living, which began in early 2024. Since then, members of the Men’s Shed have supported Sussex Green Living’s Repair Café and contributed to the creation of Pollination Education Stations—hands-on learning tools, designed to raise awareness about biodiversity and pollinators.
When Sussex Green Living’s application for long-term funding to establish a permanent town centre climate hub was unsuccessful, Men’s Shed Horsham stepped forward with a solution—inviting them to co-create this pop-up as a one-month trial. The result is a powerful example of how local organisations can share resources and ideas, to keep important projects moving forward.
Each day in the shop brings a different focus. Wednesdays are led by Sussex Green Living, offering advice on sustainable living and inviting the public to contribute to a feasibility study for a proposed Library of Things—a community lending service for tools, equipment, and household items. Thursdays welcome SEN Shed, providing inclusive activities, while Fridays and Saturdays are hosted by Men’s Shed Horsham and Menshare, highlighting practical skills, tool-sharing, and conversations around men’s mental health.
A special highlight takes place on Wednesday 27th May, during the school half-term, when families can enjoy eco art and food-growing activities, designed to inspire environmental awareness in younger generations.
The pop-up also shines a spotlight on the concept of a sharing economy. Men’s Shed Horsham already operates a successful tool library, and visitors are encouraged to learn how borrowing instead of buying can save money, reduce waste, and strengthen community ties.
Sussex Green Living is supported by volunteers from Horsham Eco Churches, Transition Horsham and Community Energy Horsham. More than just a temporary shop, this initiative demonstrates how environmental collaboration can create lasting value—bringing together skills, knowledge, and passion to tackle climate challenges at a local level.
There is potential for the pop-up to continue beyond May, but its future depends on community support. Organisers are encouraging people to visit, get involved, and help shape what comes next.
After all, as the team behind the project says: “Use it or lose it!”
