Open Up
Open Up is Mind's grassroots anti-discrimination project, and is led by people with personal experience of mental health problems.
Open Up works on the principle that talking about mental health is the best way to confront stereotypes and tackle prejudice. The project looks for positive and constructive ways to communicate what it's really like to live with a mental health problem. We do this by supporting projects which tackle stigma around England, and by facilitating a social networking site for people with direct experience of mental distress.
We believe that real change can be achieved by working together. It links up people with experience of mental health problems so they can support each other to speak out about their experiences. Through the Open Up network, members can access support, advice, training and inspiration for their work challenging mental health discrimination.
In November 2009 we announced the 16 projects we would be supporting over the coming 12 months.