European Network of (ex-)Users and Survivors of Psychiatry
last update on March 30, 2008

Groups of (ex-)users and survivors of psychiatry (and other addresses) in the United Kingdom

* = member organisation of ENUSP ** = applied for membership
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If you want to become ENUSP member Form for ENUSP membership application
If you want to be on this list Form for group registry
Warning! We cannot guarantee for the correctness of the addresses nor the actual political or personal positions of the persons or groups on the list. User/survivor of psychiatry groups have different positions and perspectives. Trying out contact addresses is always at your own risk. / ENUSP does not accept any money from the drug industry. National, regional and local organisations, however, take their own decisions. For reasons of transparency, we refer to a (co-)financing by pharmaceutical companies as far as we know about it by the addition "sponsored by pharmaceutical companies."
  • UK-Wide Organisations (more information see www.enusp.org/groups/u/nit/sainsbury.pdf)

    • Black Women's Mental Health Project: is an organisation, which is managed by Black Women Users and Survivors of the Mental Health system in the UK · Publications: web site www.bwmhp.org.uk · Contact: Black Women's Mental Health Project, Park Royal Business Centre, Unit 27, 9-17 Park Royal Road, LONDON NW10 7LQ. Contact member: Angela Linton-Abulu, Tel. +44 20 89616324, e-mail bwmhp[at]yahoo.com

    • ** BUDDIES – Black Mental Health Support Network and Befriending Scheme, providing a forum within a hospital setting that incorporates all cultures and their issues (multi-cultural sessions and discussion groups); and campaigning for cultural specific session to be held so people can understand their mental health through others from their own cultural backgrounds and gain multiple perspectives whilst attending these sessions · Target group: Black and ethnic minority groups, sufferers and survivors, carers and community members, students etc. · Aims: providing advice, information and a support network to Black people who have or are experiencing mental health or have used a mental health service. The support network also acts as an advice and information centre for all, who are seeking information on issues surrounding mental health · Organisation form: non-registered selfhelp-group · Status of workers: no workers · Funding: no funding · Publications: articles in Community Care, UKAN's Advocate, others · Contact: BUDDIES, c/o 45 Wood Lane, Swain House, BRADFORD BD2 1JU, West Yorkshire, Tel. mobile +44 7774 659623, Contact member: Carol Jenkin, e-mail Carol[at]buddies.go-legend.net, carol.buddies[at]blueyonder.co.uk

    • * Hearing Voices Network (HVN). Hearing Voices Network helps voice hearers to find their own ways of coming to terms with their experience · Target group: The national network is open to voice hearers, (ex-)users and survivors of psychiatry, their friends, relatives, carers, other interested parties. The self-help groups are only open to voice hearers · Aims: To create an acceptance that hearing voices is a valid experience for which there are many explanations. To raise awareness of voice hearing, seeing visions, tactile sensations and other sensory experiences. To give men, women and children who have these experiences the opportunity to talk freely about them. To support anyone who has these experiences that is seeking to understand and learn and grow from them in their own way. Training and conferences. Dissemination of information and holding self-help groups · Organisation form: central organisation based in Manchester with local self-help groups based across England and Wales. HVN networks with many other groups and organisations across the country. Individual and organisational membership base. Quarterly magazine "Voices", sent to over 1,000 members (May 2002) · Status of workers: In the national office there is 1 paid worker and 6 voluntary staff · Funding: They have just (February 2003) received charitable status and have been given a s64 grant from the Department of Health. NOT the Pharmaceutical industry – as a principal · Publications: various information leaflets and other publications about voice hearing. web site www.hearing-voices.org · Contact: Hearing Voices Network, 91 Oldham Street, MANCHESTER M4 1LW, Tel. +44 161 8345768, e-mail hearingvoices[at]care4free.net

    • InterAction. InterAction aims to assist in the growth of civil societies in developing countries (and those in transition) by enabling adults with mental distress to become involved in public action and policies to improve mental health systems and enable them to participate more fully in the societies in which they live. InterAction is an international organisation, based in the UK. It is a registered charity. Chair: Robert Hayward (from April 1st, 2005). · Contact: InterAction, 1 Tankerton Road, WHISTABLE, Kent, CT5 2AB, Tel. +44 1227 272789, e-mail info[at]interaction.uk.net

    • National Phobics Society – an anxiety disorders charity · Target group: "anyone affected by Anxiety, Panic Attacks/Disorder, Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Social Phobia, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), Trichotillomania, Tranquilliser Problems, Agoraphobia, Other Phobias such as fear of: blushing, heights, vomiting, spiders, HIV, cancer, heart disease, being alone, public speaking, thunderstorms, dentists, death, school, confined spaces etc." · Aims: "Our primary aim is to promote the relief and rehabilitation of persons suffering with anxiety disorders through information and provision of self-help services. To advance awareness of the general public in the causes and conditions of anxiety disorders and associated phobias" · Organisation form: user-led and have a membership of over 6000 to date (Febr. 2003) · Status of workers : 2 paid workers both are service users, and over 500 volunteers. The services include 1:1 therapies such as CBT, counselling, complementary therapies, helplines, self-help groups" · Funding: "The organisation is 80% funded through service user subscriptions, and 20% via national gov funding. We also receive in kind support from GlaxoSmithKline pharmaceuticals" · Publications: web site www.phobics-society.org.uk, "Don't Panic" newsletter – distributed quarterly; fact-sheets, tapes · Contact: National Phobics Society, Zion Community Resource Centre, 339 Stretford Road, Hulme, MANCHESTER, M15 4ZY, Tel. +44 870 7700456, Fax +44 161 2279862, e-mail nationalphobic[at]btconnect.com

    • National Self Harm Network (NSHN). Survivor-led organisation, founded in 1994 · Target group: people who self-harm and associates/allies · Organisation form: centrally based in Nottingham · Aims: To support and empower people who self harm and to challenge assumptions and demystify common misconceptions, representing (ex-)users and survivors of psychiatry in politics, lobbying, advocacy, training and education, raising awareness among general public, health services and health staff, dissemination of information · Status of workers: unknown · Funding: unknown · Publications: The NSHN produces and disseminates publications around self-harm. web site www.nshn.co.uk/ · Contact: NSHN, PO Box 7264, Nottingham, NG1 6WJ, e-mail info[at]nshn.co.uk

    • National Voices Forum. UK user-led organisation run by mad people for mad people · Target group: People with experience of severe mental illness. Also enquiries taken from all other groups · Organisation form: central organisation with about 12 local groups · Aims: Seeks to develop mutual support on the one hand and express the user viewpoint on the other. To participate in raising awareness of the user viewpoint and experience. Representing (ex-)users and survivors in politics, lobbying, advocacy – to a limited extent – a referral point, training and education, annual poetry competition, participate in research, raising awareness of the user viewpoint and experience · Status of workers: 1 part-time paid worker (25 hours per week), 4 volunteers who have specific roles (1 website manager, 2 liaison officers and 1 project worker) · Funding: Funded by Department of Health grant and a Trust. "Pharmaceutical industry – no and would hope never to have to do." · Publications: Voices Forum magazine is an outlet to disseminate information, production of leaflets e.g. one on new medications, another on "an inside view of schizophrenia" and a general leaflet about Voices Forum including an application form. web site www.voicesforum.org.uk/ · Contact: Voices Forum, 28 Castle Street, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, KT6 4NS, Tel. +44 208 5479226, e-mail graham[at]voicesforum.org.uk

    • No Panic · Target group: anxiety disorder sufferers and their carers; open to anyone with an interest in anxiety disorders · Aims: to aid the relief and rehabilitation of those people suffering from Panic Attacks, Phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, other related Anxiety Disorder, including tranquilliser withdrawal · Organisation form: international · Status of workers: one and half paid workers and 85 volunteers · Funding: membership fees and voluntary donations · Publications: web site www.no-panic.co.uk and a variety of booklets, audio cassettes, CD's & video cassettes (see "No Panic" web site) · Contact: No Panic, 93, Brands Farm Way, TELFORD, Shropshire, TF3 2JQ, Tel. +44 1952 590005, Fax +44 1952 270962, e-mail ceo[at]no-panic.co.uk

    • Survivors Poetry · Target group: survivors of psychiatry and empathetic supporters interested in poetry · Aims: to support survivors in the development of their creativity through poetry. Training and education, recreation, some research, raising awareness, dissemination of information, quarterly magazine, various publications of poetry · Organisation form: Central organisation with local groups. Survivors Poetry exists to give a voice to survivors of psychiatry through workshops and performances of poetry. All activities are run by, and for, survivors · Status of workers: paid and voluntary staff: 3 part-time paid workers and 4 regular volunteers. Endless other volunteers on an irregular (as-needs) basis · Funding: subsidised by the Arts Council of Great Britain, small amount of own funding, NOT the Pharmaceutical industry – by choice, various grant giving foundations · Publications: Various publications, between others: "We Have Come Through" and "Ten Russian Poets" – both are anthologies of poetry. web site http://groups.msn.com/survivorspoetry · Contact: Survivors Poetry, Diorama Arts Centre, 34 Osnaburgh Street, LONDON, NW1 3ND, Tel. +44 20 79165317, e-mail survivor[at]survivorspoetry.org.uk

    • * Survivors Speak Out · Target group: (ex-)users and survivors of psychiatry. Also open to their friends, relatives and other allies · Aims: National network of survivors of psychiatry for change of the psychiatric system. Individuals should have a greater say in the way they are treated. Promoting more positive images of "mental illness." Committed to: challenging the worst excesses of the statutory mental health services in an open and intelligent way; promoting self and peer advocacy and supporting and encouraging survivors · Organisation form: Centrally based in London · Status of workers: Voluntary staff. Funding: unknown · Publications: unknown · Contact: Survivors Speak Out, 44 Seldon House, Stewarts Road, LONDON, SW8 4DP

    • * United Kingdom Advocacy Network (UKAN): a national federation of independent mental health user-run patients councils, support groups, advocacy projects and user forums, open for all interested people · Target group: mental health service users, professionals and carers · Aims: To provide information and training in mental health advocacy, representing users, ex-users and survivors in politics, lobbying, advocacy, training and education, research, raising awareness, collection and dissemination of information about patients’ councils, advocacy, projects and user forums and provides this information in order to facilitate wider development of user involvement and user led mental health services through the quarterly magazine, "The Advocate," and other publications · Organisation form: Centrally located in Sheffield with – in February 2003 – about 300 affiliated user groups (about 200 of which are user-only groups) in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland · Status of workers: 5 part-time paid workers and 1 regular volunteer plus about 25 people on their management committee · Funding: Subsidised partly by the government through the Department of Health, a small amount of own funding (about 4%), nothing from the pharmaceutical industry – a deliberate policy, about 70% of funding comes from grant giving trusts · Publications: Publications apart from "The Advocate" magazine there are two publications: The "UKAN Advocacy Training Pack" and "A Clear Voice, A Clear Vision: the Advocacy Reader"; web site www.thepatientsforum.org.uk/ukadvocacynetwork.asp · Contact: UKAN, 14 – 18 West Bar Green, SHEFFIELD, S1 2DA, Tel. +44 114 2728171, Fax +44 114 2727786, e-mail office[at]u-kan.co.uk, contact person: Liz Skelton liz[at]u-kan.co.uk

  • UK-Wide Others

    • Benzodiazepine Awareness Network International, e-mail GCBURNS55[at]aol.com

    • Benzodiazepine.org: Prescription Drug Addiction – Information Site And Forum Color Benzodiazapine Addiction, Withdrawal And Recovery Information

    • MadPride: web site about Mental Health System Survivors overcoming discrimination in the UK and all over the world, started up by Peter Shaunessy

    • Service User Research Enterprise (SURE). SURE involves service users in mental health research through training, capacity building, opportunities for participation in collaborative research projects and by conducting user led research. The Commision for Health Improvement (CHI) has stated the SURE project is "notable practice," i.e. no one does it better · Aims: to promote user involvement in research both in the local area where we work (South London), nationally in the UK and internationally · Organisation form: SURE is the service user research unit at the Institute of Psychiatry, London. This is a research and teaching institution and part of the statutory education system in the UK. It focuses on research and post-graduate teaching · Status of workers: There are four paid employees in SURE and others are involved who are paid a small fee under what is known in the UK as "permitted work" for people who are on sickness welfare benefits · Funding: Our funding comes from the local Trust (hospital and community care) research budget and from research grants for which we have successfully bid · Publications: web site (in preparation) · Contact: SURE, Diana Rose, Co-ordinator, PO34, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, Tel. +44 207 8485066

    • Survivors' United Network: "Developing, Sharing And Promoting Creative & Innovative Good Practice In Mental Health Recovery, Locally, Nationally and Internationally." This website contains over 70 pages of information on recovery, mental health issues, health & well being, educational articles, self management techniques, research, volunteering and networking opportunities, all of which can be used to facilitate and support an individuals recovery from mental distress and our site is a valuable information resource for mental health professionals, academics, supporters and allies. All contributions are welcomed · Publications: web site www.healthy-life-styles.com/index.htm · Contact: Ms Julia Bromley, "Survivors Network Co-ordinator," Survivors Network, c/o Voluntary Action Manchester, North Square, 11-13 Spear Street, MANCHESTER, M1 1JU, e-mail survivors.network[at]ukgateway.net

    • The uksurvivors list was set up for all UK mental health survivors, disabled people and allies who are interested in networking together and discussing proposed new laws. It is a public list and anyone can join. To post a message, send it to uksurvivors[at]eGroups.com

  • England

    • National Groups

      • ACUSF – African Caribbean Users/Survivors Forum · Target group: National network of African and Caribbean (ex-)users and survivors of the mental health system · Aims: To provide advice and support for users, survivors and families · Organisation form: unknown · Status of workers: unknown · Funding: unknown · Publications: unknown · Contact: ACUSF, 332 Brixton Road, LONDON, SW9

      • * MindLink – a network of mental health service survivors · Target group: (ex-)users and survivors of psychiatry only · Aims: The primary purpose of MindLink is to ensure (ex-)users/survivors of mental health services have a direct say in shaping Mind, its policies and its campaigns. Although MindLink operates within Mind, it is also part of the broader survivor movement. Further aims: Representing users, ex-users and survivors of psychiatry in politics, lobbying of parliament and MPs (members of the parliament), training and education, research, raising awareness, dissemination of information · Organisation form: MindLink is part of Mind which is British largest Mental Health Charity covering both England and Wales. MindLink has a structure of operation within Mind and there are terms of reference to enable MindLink to deliver its work. MindLink is centrally based in London but have an Advisory Panel with 26 elected members spread across England and Wales who meets quarterly and works with the whole membership as well as directly with Mind, Mind Local Associations and external mental health organisations including in Europe. Membership is for users/survivors of psychiatry in England and Wales but we do not turn away any (ex-)users/survivors of psychiatry – so in February 2003 we have 1,030 members in England and Wales and 34 members who live outside England and Wales · Status of workers: 2 full-time workers, 2 regular volunteers providing 2 days a week voluntary work, 26 elected members undertaking regular voluntary work and 1,300 members who make regular but informal input to Mind and its work · Funding: MindLink is wholly funded by Mind although we have had external funding on occasion. We will not seek or accept any funding from the pharmaceutical industry · Publications: web site www.mind.org.uk/About+Mind/Networks/mindLink , quarterly information packs; users poetry and prose is published in the newsletter · Contact: MindLink, c/o Mind, 15 – 19 Broadway, LONDON, E15 4BQ, Tel. +44 20 82152210, Fax +44 181 5221725. Mind Link Development Manager: Shannon O'Neill, e-mail s.oneill[at]mind.org.uk

    • Local Groups

      • * Brent Black African and Caribbean Mental Health Consortium, 3 Chesham Street, Neasden, London NW10 OBH

      • * Loud & Clear, 22 – 24 High Road, Willeshen, LONDON, NW LO

      • OBSESSIVE ACTION, Aberdeen Centre, 22-24 Highbury Grove, LONDON N5 2EA, Tel. +44 171 2072264000 (Information and Membership), Fax +44 171 2072880828, e-mail admin[at]obsessive-action.demon.co.uk

      • Preston Mental Health Service User Forum. Contact pmhf1[at]btconnect.com

      • THANET PHOBIC GROUP, 7 Orchad Road, WESTBROOK, MARGATE, Kent CT9 5JS, Tel. +44 1843-833720, Fax +44 1843 831724, e-mail thanetphobicgroup[at]lineone.net

    • Others

      • DISTRESS AWARENESS TRAINING AGENCY (DATA), U.K.'s longest established survivor training group · Organisation form: regional organisation · Involvement of users/survivors: all members are survivors · Target group: survivors of psychiatry · Aims: provide training, research and consultancy services · Status of workers: paid · Funding: commissioned to carry out particular pieces of work · Decision to accept moey from the pharmaceutical industry: not considered · Publications: web site www.distress.org.uk · Contact: DATA, 60 Curlew Road, OLDHAM, Lancashire, OL4 5NS, England, Tel. +44 161 408122, e-mail andrew[at]survivorservices.com

      • PAPYRUS – Working together for the prevention of Young Suicide · Target group: anyone concerned about suicide prevention especially in young people · Aims: promote an understanding of the unique contribution that families/carers can make to suicide prevention; promote public awareness of the importance of emotional well-being and good mental health; promote awareness of the risk of mental or emotional distress during adolescence and throughout life, and to help to remove the stigma of such occurrences; provide assistance to parents and others, in a caring or professional role, in supporting vulnerable young people; to be represented in policy making decisions at all levels and to monitor their implementation; encourage the promotion of emotional well-being and good mental health at all levels of education; encourage, initiate and take part in the development of learning opportunities for all those involved; encourage, take part and/or initiate research into suicide prevention; co-operate with professional and voluntary bodies working in the suicide prevention field; ensure that adequate mental health services are available for young people, and that there should be an easily accessible route to such help on an informal basis; encourage examples of good practice in suicide prevention; where a suicide has already occurred, to encourage the provision of appropriate support, either voluntary or professional, for those closely and traumatically affected · Organisation form: national · Status of workers: 2 part-time paid, several ad hoc volunteers (Febr. 2003) · Funding: No regular funding other than membership fees, applications are made for funds for specific projects, small income from the sale of publications etc. · Publications: web site www.papyrus-uk.org, booklets: "Thinking Of Ending It All?," "Not Just A Cry For Help," video resource: "Don't Die Of Embarrassment," research report: "With The Benefit Of Hindsight," others planned or in process (Febr. 2003) · Contact: PAPYRUS (Prevention of Suicides), Rossendale GH, Union Road, Rawtenstall BB4 6NE, Tel. / Fax +44 1706 214449, Contact: Tony Cox (Administrator), e-mail admin[at]papyrus-uk.org

      • Service User & Carer: Engagement / Involvement Links – Mental Health Involvement Resources provided by Simon Heyes (Service User Development Worker), e-mail simon.heyes[at]btinternet.com, South West Development Centre, National Institute for Mental Health in England (NIMHE)

  • Northern Ireland

    • Nation-Wide Organisations

    • Local Groups

      • Erne Advocacy c/o Clare House, 51 Chanterhill Rd, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh Cause Users Group, Tel. +44 1960 367728

      • Holywell Patients Council, Ward 9 Corridor, Holywell Hospital, 60 Steeple Rd., Antrim, BT41 2RJ

  • Scotland

    • Nation-Wide Organisations

      • MANIC DEPRESSION FELLOWSHIP-Scotland · Contact: Mile End Mill, Studio 1019, Abbey Mill Business Centre, Seed Hill Road, PAISLEY, PA1 1TJ

      • Scottish Users Network: defunct. There are discussions around creating a new structure, but there is unlikely to be a new organisation for a while (February 2003)

    • Others

      • * New Horizons Border: New Horizons Borders operates a member-led self-help and support network for people who have experienced mental health problems. It is regional organisation that serves the population of the Scottish Borders. The organisation operates Drop-in sessions throughout this rural region and runs a garden and a Gallery to exhibit Artwork produced by members. The organisation is managed by a committee selected from the membership at the annual AGM. They are responsible for the employment of staff and overall running of the Charity" · Publications: web site www.newhorizonsborders.freeserve.co.uk · Address: New Horizons Borders, 3, Market Street, GALASHIELS, TD1 3AD, Tel. +44 1896 755510, e-mail new-horizons2[at]btconnect.com

  • Wales

    • Nation-Wide Organisations

      • * US Network · Target group: US Network is the All Wales User and Survivor Network for people who use or have used mental health services and their allies · Aims: The Network aims to provide an effective voice for survivors/users and to increase awareness of mental health issues and works for better mental health services in Wales. The user voice in the network is carried forward to the Welsh Assembly where policy for mental health is formed. Further aims: lobbying, promote advocacy, recreation – work with Theatre Forum – drama group, research raising awareness, dissemination of information through a quarterly newsletter · Organisation form: Central Welsh organisation with 600 members (Febr. 2003) · Status of workers: 1 full-time paid worker, there are 12 trustees who provide regular voluntary support plus any of the 600 members can be called upon to help if/when needed · Funding: Funding through by the Welsh Assembly. Pharmaceutical industry – not yet, but would accept (but not if funding was conditional) · Publications: Series of working papers, web site www.usnetwork.co.uk · Contact: Network, Offices 2 & 4, Crynant Business Centre, Crynant Business Park, Crynant Neath, SA10 8PA, Tel. +44 1639 751022, Fax +44 1639 750602, e-mail jeff[at]walesnetwork.freeserve.co.uk

      • * MindLink (see MindLink, England)