Despite the easing of lockdown, in-person Hearing Voice Groups remain suspended and no-one is sure when they will be able to open again.
Whilst moving your group online, or beginning a new group online, can be a daunting process – there are now a handful of groups in the UK that we know about that are doing this.
If you’d like to talk about moving your group online, please get in touch or read our page on Setting Up Online Groups.
There are a few different options if you’re looking for support with voices during the lockdown. Here are those we know about. Please note: only some of these are run by us (HVN) and most are part of other groups or organisations. We can’t guarantee their quality, so always check them out first.
List of online support options
- Online Groups
- Written support
- Online gathering(s)
Online Groups
Online groups are run along the lines of regular in-person groups – the main difference being you are online. People often use the cameras and microphones with their computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone to access them. If you want more information, contact the facilitators directly.
17:30 – 18:30 Wednesdays – Voice Collective 16-25 Group
An established peer support group for young people aged 16-25 years who hear voices, see visions or have related experiences, facilitated by Fiona, Nikki and/or Jess from Mind in Camden’s Voice Collective project.
17:30 – 18:45 Wednesdays – New online Hearing Voices Group
Bonny Astor, Ben Ellsworth & Kit would love to hear from you if you’re interested. Email hearingvoicesonlinegroup@gmail.com
19:00 Wednesdays – Talking Sense
Talking Sense is an established evening Hearing Voices Group that has now moved online. It is facilitated by Lauren and Janey. Email them at talkingsenselondon@gmail.com for more info.
15:00 – 16.30 Thursdays – Hearing Voices & Paranoia Support Group Meeting on ZOOM
Meeting ID 88460268952 Password 375878.
With Pete Bullimore and Paul Baker.
Various – US Online Peer Support Options
One of the benefits of online groups is that you can join wherever you’re from. Some US groups are willing to accept international members. Have a look at the list provided by Western Mass RLC or see www.hearingvoicesusa.org.
Support in writing
This includes email support and online forums … especially useful if you want to access support at any time of the day or night or don’t like groups/video conferencing.
Online Peer Support Forum – https://forum.hearing-voices.org
A secure and supported online space to share your experiences, learn from and support others. Supported by HVN volunteers and trustees, this space is open to people with direct experiences of voices, visions and related experiences (including family/supporters). We have some separate spaces for people who hear voices and family/friends. Posts are only visible to registered users.
National Paranoia Network‘s Email Support Service
In response to the impact of isolation and the current pandemic on people who hear voices, see visions or experience paranoia – The National Paranoia Network is working with allies around the world to provide an international email support service. They do their best to respond quickly in a language that works for you. Email: support@nationalparanoianetwork.org
Online Gatherings
At HVN, we’ve been trying to create some online spaces for those interested in voices, visions and related experiences to connect and explore experiences from different angles. So far we have run two film nights and one music night. We will publicise these on our news page and through social media.
