01626 884544
dpt.openup@nhs.net
Formerly known as the DPT Charity, Open Up is dedicated to transforming lives by enhancing mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity care across Devon and beyond.. Our rebrand marks a fresh chapter in our ongoing purpose to broaden the support to people receiving care and treatment in Devon and more widely across the South West
Our aim is to make a lasting, positive impact on the individuals and families receiving support and care by the Devon Partnership NHS Trust, as well as supporting broader programmes that help enhance mental wellbeing across the South West working together with our partners, donors and community members.
“We are extremely excited to launch our new brand, identity and strategy ensuring our focus is on making a tangible and positive impact. Through collaboration, we hope to make essential support more accessible, minimising the number of people having to face their challenges alone. Open Up will initially focus its fundraising efforts on three core priority areas to create sustainable, impactful change: improving physical health, addressing health inequality, and staff wellbeing. You can find out more about our first campaign below and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank those who continue to support us.”
First campaign: Coombehaven Ward's patient gym fundraiser
To mark the launch of Open Up, we are introducing a fundraising campaign to support the Coombehaven Ward at The Cedars in Exeter, an acute mental health unit providing essential care to those in need. The ward is aiming to raise £15,000 to establish a much-needed gym for patients, enabling them to access the physical and mental health benefits of regular exercise as part of their recovery journey.
Physical activity is widely acknowledged as a key component of mental health recovery, yet Coombehaven Ward currently lacks adequate gym facilities. By raising funds for this project, we will provide patients with access to equipment such as a treadmill, exercise bike, and a cardio wall—a calming, interactive fitness tool that promotes both physical exercise and emotional regulation.
Alice Giles, Inpatient Practice Lead at Coombehaven Ward, shares her enthusiasm for the initiative: “Exercise has been proven to significantly improve mental health outcomes, and we are eager to create a space where patients can focus on their physical and emotional wellbeing. This gym will be an important step in supporting their recovery in a safe, familiar environment.”
How you can help
We are inviting the public to support this campaign and help us reach our £15,000 target. Every donation will bring us closer to providing patients at Coombehaven Ward with the essential gym equipment they need to enhance their recovery experience.
To contribute, please visit our JustGiving page and make a donation today. Your support will make a direct and lasting difference in the lives of patients receiving care at The Cedars.
Join Us in transforming lives across Devon and beyond
As we embark on this exciting new chapter with Open Up, we invite you to join us in our mission to support mental wellbeing across Devon and beyond. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of patients, staff, and communities by promoting wellbeing and breaking down barriers around mental health, learning disability, and neurodiversity.
If you’d like to support us through an activity, we offer several options, including runs, skydiving and other fundraising events. These challenges are a great way to raise funds and awareness for our mission to improve mental wellbeing services.
Whether you’re interested in participating, sponsoring a friend, or simply cheering from the side lines, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
Your involvement will help us create a healthier, more inclusive future for everyone.
