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Unofficial copy of the leaflet, linked-to from the VOICES FORUM unofficial site

Now showing THIS LEAFLET at the OFFICIAL VOICES FORUM SITE

This leaflet is also available in hard copy! To receive yours (please state whether you'd like just the one, or a bulk consignment), please send a stamped addressed e-mail to Rachel at the contact

NATIONAL

VOICES FORUM

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For those who have experienced schizophrenia

WHO ARE WE?

The National Voices Forum (Voices) is the (ex) service user and survivor network within the National Schizophrenia Fellowship.

It is important to realise we do formulate our policies independently, but also use NSF's charitable status.

The Forum exists to benefit those with schizophrenia (or related illnesses)

Schizophrenia often creates long-term problems, and we believe that mutual support is one of the best ways to minimise them.

We are a SELF-HELP group, run entirely by users of mental health services for users.

WE WORK FOR USER EMPOWERMENT NOT PATRONISATION.

LOCAL GROUPS

Voices has several local groups around the UK. These offer information, advice, social contact and friendship.

Among Voices members you can talk freely and openly about any problems, and gain support from fellow sufferers in a safe environment without fear of rejection.

YOU CAN REBUILD YOUR LIFE INTO SOMETHING MEANINGFUL.... assisted by those who have been there and done it!

NATIONAL MEETINGS

At a national level, Voices holds quarterly business meetings, including an AGM when a National Chair, Vice-Chair, and a Treasurer are elected by those present.

MAGAZINE

Voices publishes a quarterly magazine, "Perceptions", made up of contributions from the membership, that express people's varied views on mental illness and the system.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Voices holds an annual conference on self-management and recovery themes for schizophrenia. At this conference service users get together and discuss the many ways we can "do it ourselves".

ADMINISTRATOR

Voices is supported nationally by a part-time paid administrator who has also been a service user. This person is based at Kingston NSF office.

AREA LIAISON OFFICERS

Voices has several volunteer ALOs who work from home and are on-hand to provide support and information.

THE MEDIA

Some Voices members have taken part in TV and radio programmes and written pieces for the national press.

We want to promote a more positive image of schizophrenia to counter inaccurate, misleading and sensationalist press reports.

REPRESENTATION

National Voices is represented on NSF Board of Trustees, other NSF national committees, and the Patients & Carers Liaison Group at the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

CONSULTATION

Voices has contributed to the consultations on the proposed new Mental Health Act, by sending written submissions to the Government and participating in the Mental Health Alliance. Its views are regularly sought by mental health organisations.

APPLICATION FORM

(To do this next bit, applying to join the National Voices Forum, just send an e-mail to this link coming up next and state your Name, Address, Telephone, and whether you are an (ex) Service User, Carer, or Worker. You can apply by writing a letter in the physical world and posting it to National Voices Forum, 28 Castle Street, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, KT1 1SS. Or, you can send an e-mail to the contact)

The National Voices Forum Needs YOU!

Volunteer representatives are in constant demand at a local and national level.

MEMBERSHIP IS FREE!

Why not get involved?

Do it today!

JOIN US

As a member you will receive the quarterly magazine, "Perceptions" and notice and minutes of national meetings. We can also put you in touch with your voluntary Area Liaison Officer, who will be pleased, if they can, to assist in developing Voices in your locality.