Do you want to speak out against mental health discrimination?

Time to Change's Open Up project is now open to applications for the Open Up Initiatives Scheme 2009. This innovative programme is for people with experience of mental health problems who want to set up projects that will raise awareness or challenge discrimination where they live.

Open Up selects 16 groups or individuals to become an Open Up Initiative (2 in each region of England) and works with them over a period of one year. The scheme helps the people to get their Initiatives up and running through providing an average of £2500 towards expenses - plus training, mentoring and promotions support.

In 2009 Open Up is looking for original ideas from people from a diverse range of backgrounds about how to challenge discrimination on a local level. You can download full details of the Open Up Initiatives Scheme and how to apply here.

Deadline for applications is 5pm on Saturday 15th August 2009. Applicants must be 18 and over. Open Up is funded by the Big Lottery Fund and is part of Time to Change.