last updated 22 Jan 2010

Our Charter

Voices Vic is a network of professionals, carers and voice hearers that work together to reduce the distress which can be associated with hearing voices.

Our ambition is to establish Hearing Voices Groups across Victoria. Our vision is for the community at large to listen to the experience of voice hearers without fear or judgement, and with acceptance.

We believe recovery is not necessarily the absence of voices, but the ability to have a meaningful life. We believe recovery is possible for everyone.

NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS

** NEW Lots of New Training

Check out our updated training page - Click here - we're thrilled to be offering courses with Dr Rufus May, Jacqui Dillon and local experts, Sandi Noble and Janet Karagounis. We also hope to offer training for carers very soon, with Ron Coleman.

** NEW Info Pack for Clinicans and Managers

A new information pack has been produced for clinicians and managers of services. This is useful for anyone wanting to know more about the approach in terms of research history and risks. Click here to download the information pack.

NEW New Personal Stories and Artwork**

Check out our new personal stories and artwork submissions - click here. If you would like to submit to this page, please email us - we'd love to hear from you!

Image: "Maelstrom" by Initially NO.

New Hearing Voices Groups!

There are now two new groups running in Preston, and another in Mornington. Geelong and Frankston should also have groups up and running very soon. A women's group has just started in Prahran and still has places - email us if you'd like to attend (places are limited). Check out our Groups page for the latest news.

** NEW Workshop / Reunion in December

In December a reunion was held for people who attended Jacqui Dillon's training in September 09. It was a great meeting and we shared heaps about what's working well in groups, what's more challenging, and what's getting in the way of new groups getting started. For a copy of notes from the meeting, click here.

At the meeting we agreed that it would be valuable to hold a workshop for facilitators every 3 months. The next two workshops have been scheduled - please put them in your diary and click here to RSVP.

Facilitator's Workshop 2: Wed 10 March, 11am - 3pm

Facilitator's Workshop 3: Tue 8 June, 11am - 3pm

Venue will be: The Stables, 54 Burke Road, Malvern East.

Intervoice Discussion Forum

If you're looking for somewhere to air your opinions, or read what others think about hearing voices, check out the Intervoice Online Discussion Forum. Anyone can join in.

Do you hear voices?

You are not alone. An estimated 4% of the population hear voices, sounds or auditory sensations that other people cannot.

While many voice hearers are distressed by the experience (and typically are diagnosed with schizophrenia or another mental illness), the good news is that most are not. Hearing Voices Groups help voice hearers to understand the experience, and explore new ways of coping and living. The groups provide a safe space to explore the experience of hearing voices - without judgement or fear - and with other voice hearers you can relate to.

Please explore our site, and check the link above for current groups in Victoria, news and resources. Click here to read our brochure about hearing voices groups. If there are no groups in your area, please let us know. We are keeping a waiting list and will inform organisations as demand for groups builds up in their areas.

We are also looking for personal stories from voice hearers to post on our site. We think it's important to share experiences, and this is a great way to do so. If you have a story you'd like to share, please email us. You can remain anonymous or give your name - and even a photo or some artwork - if you'd like.

Is your organisation interested in starting a Hearing Voices Group?

Please check out our upcoming training, and contact us to talk it over. We can visit your service and talk to voice hearers, staff and carers. We can help you plan your group and provide lots of ongoing support. We'd love to hear from you!

Are you a friend, family member or carer of someone who hears voices?

We know that many carers find the Hearing Voices Approach is helpful in providing supportive strategies to use at home. We already have some carers involved in the network, some have attended our training, and others have passed on the information about groups to their loved ones. Please read the information provided on this site or contact us - we'd love to hear from you. We're interested in finding out what information and supports would be useful to you.

We are currently working to organise some training specifically designed for carers. This would help to understand the experience of hearing voices, and to develop some practical strategies to help with coping at home. Stay tuned for more information.

We'd love your input to help make this site great - click here to email your feedback and ideas.