Our approach Experts by experience We are user run, we are experts by experience. What does this mean? It means that the people who run, work and volunteer for VITAL have personal experience of being vulnerable, either as a mental health service user or carer. It means that we value mental health issues, and the everyday management of recovery from them as real assets to those who run and provide our services. We believe this is important and underpins our organisational values. It means that we really do care about people being heard. Our Vision A society where judgemental attitudes, discrimination and social isolation are eradicated from the lives of those facing mental ill health or who feel vulnerable due to other factors including older age, trauma & illness. Our Mission Ensuring that the vulnerable and disadvantaged have a voice within the health and social care framework, whilst supported by experts by experience. Our Values TO ACT WITH INTEGRITY – be honest, transparent and ethical in all that we doTO BE PEOPLE CENTRED – staff, members and partners at the very heart of the organisation & decisions we makeBE RESPECTFUL – respect ourselves, colleagues, our workplace, members and all those we meet. Always treat others as we would like to be treatedBE INDEPENDENT– remain impartial and non-judgemental BE INNOVATIVE– push boundaries at every corner of the organisation to achieve the best outcome possible TO MAINTAIN EXCELLENCE– be an inspirational service, recognised for our standards