An Experiential Workshop for Mental Health Staff and People with Lived Experience who want to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to facilitate a Hearing Voices Support Group
16th, 17th and 18th December 2013 – NUIG, Galway
Facilitator: Jacqui Dillon
Hearing Voices Groups offer a safe place for people to feel accepted and comfortable sharing their experiences of voices, visions, tactile sensations and other unusual experiences and perceptions. People meet together to help and support each other, to exchange information, and to learn from one another. Groups also offer an opportunity for people to accept and “live with voices” in a way that enables them to regain some control over their lives.
There is an established and emerging body of evidence to support the effectiveness of Hearing Voices Groups. They offer people who hear voices the opportunity to share their experience and find ways of coping with this experience, which can be complementary to other support methods.
There are – as yet – very few Hearing Voices groups in Ireland. In order to continue the development of a network of Hearing Voices Groups, a 3-day training programme for people who are interested in becoming group facilitators has been organised by the School of Nursing and Midwifery, in association with the Critical Voices Network Ireland. The programme has been funded by the Nursing and Midwifery Planning Development Unit, Health Service Executive – South.
The programme, facilitated by Jacqui Dillon, takes place on 16th, 17th and 18th December 2013 in NUIG, Galway. On completion of the training, participants will be expected to start up a hearing voices group and/or co-facilitate an existing group. It is also envisaged that the programme will lead to the establishment of a network where practising facilitators can meet regularly to share good practice and their experiences.
Expressions of interest are now invited from voice hearers who have a genuine interest in facilitating/co-facilitating a group and from mental health staff who have agreement and/or opportunities to start a group in the setting in which they work. Joint applications are specifically welcomed from two voice hearers or voice hearer/mental health staff member (maybe supported by the services they use/work in), who have an interest in starting and facilitating a group.
Others interested in starting a group, ideally those who have identified a service willing to support them to establish a group, are also welcome to apply.
Places on the programme are limited and will be allocated on the basis of and ability to attend all 3 days and a willingness and commitment to start a Hearing Voices group.
