Over recent years those of us suffering from mental 'illness' have started to organise ourselves in order to offer mutual support and to fight for each other. Free from the control of funding bodies or the supervision of professionals. For me they provide great hope for the future - at least as much as the prospect of the medical industry coming up with new drugs.
Local
The Patients Council
Open to all survivors/service users whether they have been to hospital or not. Helen Hamilton is the paid worker
for the group.
The Patients Council, Callington Road Hospital, Marmalade Lane, Brislington, Bristol, BS4 5BT
Tel: 0117 919 5617
Kaleidescope
As a mental health service user group which also welcomes carers, this is a progressive self help,
lobbying and consultation group. They engage in consultation with statutory and voluntary sectors to help share services
we use. Monthly meetings, guest speakers and a chance to access wider mental health arena e.g. training,, conferences and
an opportunity to engage in lifelong learning, build confidence, overcome social isolation and become empowered in a
friendly, supportive environment. Meetings are held monthly Marine Hill CMHT, Marine Hill, Clevedon. (Please call to check
venue before you go)
Meetings happen on the third Wednesday of the month from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.
Contact: Sue Ricketts 01275 853 960
Bristol Survivors Network
This is a Bristol-wide group that helps and supports by campaigning for anyone with mental health problems. Meetings are
held on the last thurs of every month (except Dec). For further information on where meetings are being held please call
tel no below.
Bristol Survivors Network, PO Box 2505, Bristol, BS6 9AJ
Tel : Pauline - 0117 924 8124 (daytime only) or Susan - 0117 923 1796 (daytime only)
S.U.N - Southmead Users Network
This is a campaign and support group and members need not have attended
Southmead Hospital or be located in the Southmead Ward for further information ring 07765 307 134 (weekdays 11am - 1pm
Email: sun@bristolmind.org.uk
Hearing Voices Network
Every Tuesday 3pm - 4.30pm at Bristol Mind, 35 Old Market Street, Bristol, BS2 0EZ.
For further information contact: Mobile: 0789 423 0207 (answer phone) Tim / Glenn @ Grove Rd: 0117 973 5142
Email: info@hearing-voices.org
Website: www.hearing-voices.org
National Groups
Mad Pride
Mad Pride is an exciting campaign aimed at doing for mad people what Gay Pride did for gay people.
U.K. Survivors Newsgroup
Very busy e-mail newsgroup of the big U.K. Survivors Network. To subscribe send a blank e-mail to:
uksurvivors-subscribe@eGroups.com
National Hearing Voices Network
http://www.hearing-voices.org/ Great web-site for all who hear
voices. You can call their national office on 0161 834 5768