what we do
Upstream Dream develops services and products that help people, families, and communities safely take more of their health and well-being into their own hands.
We support healing with practical self-care tools, clear information, and guidance that helps people understand the roots of everyday health challenges.
We activate emotional, social, and community support systems, and strengthen connections with professional care so people feel accompanied, informed, and empowered. Alongside this, we collaborate with a learning community of partners to advance the science and practice of self-care.
how we work
We offer a range of services aimed at supporting individuals living with long-term illnesses.Our services include social and community engagement, self-care learning networks, and information management. We also provide a platform called Genia, designed to facilitate self-care tool development for individuals and their caregivers.
Social and
Community Engagement
Our team is passionate about fostering social connections and community engagement for individuals with long-term illnesses. We organize events, support groups, and activities aimed at creating a sense of belonging and connection.
Self-Care
Learning Networks
We facilitate self-care learning networks to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage their health. Our networks provide a supportive environment for learning and development.
Information Management
Managing patient-controlled information flows is a crucial aspect of our services. We have extensive experience in ensuring that individuals have access to the information they need to make informed decisions about their health.
why we do it
Because people thrive when they’re empowered to care for themselves — and each other.
Too often, healthcare systems make people dependent rather than resilient. Upstream Dream works upstream — before crisis, before dependency — to cultivate confidence, knowledge and community so that fewer crises happen downstream.
Our guiding belief is simple: neighbours helping neighbours. Whether across the street or across the globe, health is a shared responsibility. By noticing and lifting up what already works in communities, we make proven ideas and practices more visible and accessible to others.
What we believe in practice:
Positive deviance: Finding 'bright spots' (what’s already working) and sharing them so others can benefit.
Person control: Your information and choices remain yours. We don’t impose behaviour change — we support it if you want it.
Meaningful outcomes: We measure what matters: self-determination, wellbeing, dignity and the trio of love, power and justice.
Fair access: Affordable entry points, supported by partnerships, foundations and public programmes.
Social & legal scaffolding: Frameworks for sustainable cooperation to protect community autonomy.