Ethos

Communication

In a world where misleading stereotypes and discriminatory behaviour are a major cause of distress for people with mental health problems, we see talking about the issues as the best way to confront prejudice. We look for positive and constructive ways to communicate what it’s really like to live with a mental health problem.

Experience

No one is better placed to talk about the reality of mental distress than those who have lived through it. At Open Up, people with lived experience of mental health problems are at the forefront of our work.

Inclusion

Mental health encompasses a broad spectrum of experience, and affects people from every walk of life. When it comes to our mental health, we all have experience to some degree – it’s about what it means to be human. When we think of it in these terms, the barriers we have built up in our society seem pointless. We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health. If we could all go some way towards understanding this, we’d be one step closer to ending discrimination for good.

Collaboration

We believe that real change can be achieved by working together. We act as a gateway to a network of ideas, information and resources, that people with experience of mental distress can tap into to share support and advice.

Empowerment

Change can only take place when people feel empowered to create it. Mental health discrimination and prejudice can make those who have to deal with it feel frustrated and powerless. We do not act on behalf of the people we work with; rather we try to provide them with the tools, skills and resources to take action for themselves. Empowerment is the most fundamental part of our work – when we feel empowered to act, there are no limits to what we can achieve!