Hear Us: Free Wellbeing & Mental Health Service in Croydon

## What is Hear Us? Hear Us is a mental health service user group that has been supporting people affected by mental health issues in Croydon for over 15 years. Operating on the principle that 'lived experience leads change', Hear Us promotes, educates, communicates, and empowers people through peer-led initiatives. Their core services include welfare rights advice, food bank referrals, cost of living support, and benefits guidance through surgeries and appointments. They run regular Open Forum gatherings for peer connection, available both online and in-person. Hear Us also runs the Linkworking Project, the Reachout Challenge (anti-stigma activities), and campaigns on issues affecting mental health service users. ## Who Can Use Hear Us? Hear Us is for anyone affected by mental health issues in Croydon - this includes people with lived experience, family members, and carers. As a service user group, they particularly welcome people who want to use their experiences to help others and influence local mental health services. You don't need to be under mental health services to access support. ## How Do I Access Hear Us? Contact Hear Us at hello@hear-us.org or call **020 8681 6888**. You can also visit them at Orchard House, 15a Purley Road, South Croydon, CR2 6EZ during weekday hours. Open Forum gatherings and other events are listed on their website hear-us.org. Membership is available for those who want to be more involved in their work. ## What Should I Expect? Hear Us offers a welcoming, peer-led environment where your experiences are valued. You might access practical support like benefits advice or food bank referrals, attend peer support gatherings, or get involved in their campaigning and creative projects. The Linkworking Project provides structured peer support with opportunities to become a linkworker yourself. All services are free.