01626 884544
dpt.openup@nhs.net
As 2025 draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what has been an extraordinary year for Open Up; a year shaped by generosity, partnership and a shared commitment to improving mental wellbeing across Devon and beyond.
Thanks to the support of our donors, fundraisers, partners and NHS colleagues, we have continued to make a difference to the everyday lives of patients, carers and staff. From moments of joy on hospital wards to long-term investments in recovery and wellbeing, this year has shown what’s possible when people come together with compassion and purpose.
Creating moments that matter
Throughout the year, Open Up has helped bring people together in ways that build trust and strengthen relationships. At Langdon Hospital, festive Family and Friends events created rare opportunities for patients, families and staff to connect in relaxed, welcoming spaces; sharing food, creativity, music and laughter in environments that are often closed to visitors. These moments reminded everyone involved that recovery is about connection as much as care.
On wards across Devon, small but meaningful experiences also made a big difference. Visits from therapy animals, including Patrick the Pony, brought calm, comfort and conversation to older adult mental health wards, lifting spirits and creating memories that stayed with people long after the day itself.
Supporting children, young people and families
The Children and Family Health Devon Christmas Hamper Project reached another milestone this year, delivering hundreds of thoughtfully prepared hampers to young people in care and care leavers across Devon and Torbay. What began as a small idea has grown into a much-loved community project, offering reassurance and kindness at a time of year that can be especially difficult.
We have also continued to support early intervention and prevention. The Babes in the Woods programme provided new mothers and their babies with calm, nurturing outdoor spaces to support perinatal mental wellbeing. These sessions didn’t just reduce anxiety in the moment, they helped build confidence, friendships and lasting support networks.
Investing in recovery and the future
Longer-term impact has remained central to our work. At New Leaf, part of Devon Partnership NHS Trust’s Vocational Rehabilitation Service, support from Open Up has helped replace ageing polytunnels with a new multispan growing structure. This investment is creating more opportunities for people to build skills, confidence and independence through therapeutic horticulture, while strengthening pathways into employment and community life.
Alongside this, we were proud to support the Festival of Human Connection, bringing together people with lived experience, clinicians, peer supporters and community partners to listen, share and explore what helps us feel connected.
A charity growing with purpose
This year also marked an important chapter on our journey, as we continued to build strong foundations for the future. With a clear strategy, a refreshed identity and a growing network of supporters, we are better placed than ever to champion innovation, collaboration and sustainability in mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity care.
You can read more about our projects, progress and plans in our latest Annual Report 2024/25, which sets out in detail how donations and fundraising have been used to improve lives across our communities.
Thank you
None of this would be possible without you. Every donation, fundraising challenge, shared story and partnership has helped Open Up bring care and hope into everyday experiences for so many people. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us this year.
As we look ahead to 2026, we invite you to stay with us on this journey. By continuing to support Open Up, you can help us fund more moments of connection, invest in recovery and create lasting, positive change.
