Peer Informed Open Dialogue

• The Open Dialogue method aims to commence meetings at the start of a mental health crisis 

• The same professionals are involved throughout all the sessions.  

• Regular meetings will be offered with the service user and their social network i.e. family or close friends. These are chosen by the service user.  

• The meetings can be offered in person and online. 

• No clinical discussions will be taking place behind the backs of the service user and their loved ones.  

• All decisions about how to move forward or organise extra help will be taken by the service user and their loved ones, in conjunction with the professionals, and will not be imposed upon them. 

CNWL will be gradually moving towards an Open Dialogue philosophy of care, which will eventually be offered across all mental health teams. The Trust will also be building a peer support team, in adaptation of the original Finnish model of Open Dialogue.  

CNWL aims to create a mutually agreed approach where staff work alongside people and those close to them, rather than a top-down approach. Open Dialogue is about working “with people”, not “to people”. 

Mental Health teams will be closely supported with learning and techniques of applying Open Dialogue within the treatment they offer. As this added service grows in different boroughs, it can be flexible to the needs of the service users and staff in that area.