National perceptions forum
The network for service-users/ex-users hosted by Rethink. The National voices forum has recently changed it's name to National perceptions forum. As the forum is not strictly a group for people who hear voices and this will hopefully make this less confusing.
Introduction
We are a national network of over 600 people who have experienced severe mental illness in one form or another. The network offers mutual support, and develops awareness of mental illness, particularly schizophrenia, from the viewpoint of those who have experienced it. Although we benefit from being part of the Rethink charity organisationally, we formulate our views independently.
Most members have experienced one or more mental health breakdowns leading to their admission to hospital. Their experiences will usually have included being confused by imagining things or hearing voices, and periods of being unable to cope. Many members eventually make quite good recoveries, but for others the problems can be ongoing. People usually have to take medication for long periods, and put up with the side-effects. It's usually very difficult for people to get back into work, especially with the level of prejudice and misunderstanding faced by people who have been mentally ill.
Perceptions forum seeks to get our voice heard. This is done through participation of members in meetings and committees, both within Rethink and external mental health organisations. Perceptions forum members have, for example, been fully involved with the Mental Health Alliance in responding to the Government's consultation on the review of the Mental Health Act.
Most members have experienced one or more mental health breakdowns leading to their admission to hospital. Their experiences will usually have included being confused by imagining things or hearing voices, and periods of being unable to cope. Many members eventually make quite good recoveries, but for others the problems can be ongoing. People usually have to take medication for long periods, and put up with the side-effects. It's usually very difficult for people to get back into work, especially with the level of prejudice and misunderstanding faced by people who have been mentally ill.
Perceptions forum seeks to get our voice heard. This is done through participation of members in meetings and committees, both within Rethink and external mental health organisations. Perceptions forum members have, for example, been fully involved with the Mental Health Alliance in responding to the Government's consultation on the review of the Mental Health Act.
