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About the Network
The first UK
hearing Voices group was formed in 1988 in Manchester.
It was inspired by the pioneering work of
Professor Marius Romme and Sondra Escher from Maastricht University, and a Dutch self help
group, Foundation Resonance.
Following a national conference held in London in 1990, the
Independent on Sunday newspaper published a prominent article on the topic
which generated a lot of correspondence. As a result we decided to establish
a network of voice hearers and individuals who were interested in the
experience of hearing voices.
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In 1989 the Manchester
group organised a speaking tour in the north of England for Marius Romme and his colleagues Sondra Escher and Anse Graf. The meetings were well attended by people who
hear voices, their relatives, friends and carers and interested mental health
professional’s.
Since this time the work of the Network has
been well reported in publications such as Open Mind, journals, local and
national newspapers and the broadcasting media. Members of the group have
continued to maintain a relationship with Rome
and Escher, regularly visiting and attending conferences in Maastricht and throughout the world.
Hearing Voices Self-Help
Groups
Hearing Voices groups are typically, a number
of people who share the experience of hearing voices, coming together to help
and support each other, they exchange information and learn from each other,
They share the same problems and may have similar life situations. Sometimes
the group may include relatives and carers of people who hear voices.
The purpose of hearing voices groups is to
offer a safe haven where people feel accepted and comfortable. They also have
an aim of offering an opportunity to for people to accept and 'live with
their voices', in a way that gives some control and helps them to regain some
power over their lives.
A New Approach
Hearing voices has been regarded by
psychiatry as 'auditory hallucinations', and in many cases a symptom of
schizophrenia. However not everyone who hears voices has a diagnosis of
schizophrenia. There are conflicting theories from psychiatrists,
psychologists and voice hearers about why people do hear voices
. We believe that they are similar to dreams, symbols of our
unconscious minds. Although the Network is open to many diverse opinions we
accept the explanation of each individual voice hearer.
Traditionally, the usual treatment for voice
hearing has been major tranquillisers, administered to reduce the delusions
and hallucinations. However not everyone responds to this treatment. There
are some psychiatrists and psychologists who now work with people who hear
voices using talking therapies and exploring the meaning of the voices.
Although this is not yet 'the norm', this
practice is increasing. As the improvement in individuals who are encouraged
to talk about their voices becomes more apparent and increasing number of
health professionals are beginning to understand that the key to
understanding voices lies in the 'content' of the voices.
HVN
welcomes feedback from helpline callers; suggestions, compliments or
complaints.
To
tell us what you feel about any aspects of our service write to;
HVN, 79 Lever St. Manchester,
M1 1FL.
Or
email us at the email address below info@hearing-voices.org
Telephone
08451228641
Hearing Voices Network
79
Lever Street.
Manchester
M1 1FL
Enquiries and information: 0845
122 8641
Email: info@hearing-voices.org
Website: www.hearing-voices.org
Registered Charity Number 1094021
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