Open Campfire
We host online campfires where people connect as peers. No labels, no fixing, no pressure. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply in need of human company, there is a place for you here. Sit by the fire, share if you want to, or just listen.
Struggling with life?
We hear you.
This is peer support shaped by lived experience — simple, real, and human.
Not therapy. No labels. Just people.
Feeling lonely?
We are here with you.
is OpenCampfire?
A new community offering free, online campfires for everyone. We are an informal space to connect, share and be human together. Different to therapy, without labels or institutional barriers. We offer hope & connection via peer support.
How much does it cost?
We feel strongly that peer support is accessible to everyone who needs it. Traditional therapy is not an option for lots of us. So, it will always be free to join an OpenCampfire. Optional memberships help support our work.
Who is it for?
OpenCampfire welcomes people of all ages, genders and from all locations around the world. We believe we can learn the most from people with diverse backgrounds to us. We expect everyone to follow our community rules.
What is the plan for OpenCampfire?
Our goal is to have a 24/7 online campfire accessible to anyone who needs it. We will provide training for our peers to host other regular campfires, meeting around certain topics e.g. addiction, trauma, art, sport.
ChatGPT better than therapy?
We hear you.
OpenCampfire is based around a peer support model.
Therapy more harmful than helpful?
We are here with you.
Mainstream therapy can often feel unhelpful and inaccessible. Lots of people are frustrated with the mental health system, and some of us are turning to AI chatbots – finding it more helpful than professionals.
Our lived experience has shown peer support is one of the best things for feeling connection to others, and helping us to move forward with life. There is a lot of evidence that this can be very helpful.
Discover more…
Find out more about OpenCampfire on our ‘About’ page
“Hi – I’m Eleanor! I was inspired to create OpenCampfire from my own lived experience. I struggled with feeling lonely, often unable to make it to in-person events. I found helpful peer groups online and quickly saw a way to help more people!”