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This LEAFLET is also available in hard copy! To receive yours (please state whether you'd like just the one, or a bulk consignment), please send a stamped addressed e-mail to Rachel at our contact page . While stocks last these leaflets are available in the original "VOICES FORUM" format! Could be collectible?!

NATIONAL PERCEPTIONS FORUM

for those who have experienced schizophrenia and similar conditions

WHO ARE WE?

The National Perceptions Forum (aka Voices Forum) is the (ex) service user and survivor network within the charity Rethink severe mental illness.

It is important to realise we do formulate our own policies independently, but also use Rethink's charitable status.

The Forum exists to benefit those with schizophrenia (and similar conditions). Schizophrenia often creates long-term problems, and we believe that mutual support is one of the best ways to minimise them.

We are a SELF-HELP group, run entirely by users of mental health services.

WE WORK FOR
USER EMPOWERMENT
NOT PATRONISATION

As Voices/Perceptions Forum members you can talk freely and openly about any problems, and gain support from fellow sufferers in a safe environment without fear of rejection.

YOU CAN REBUILD YOUR LIFE INTO SOMETHING MEANINGFUL AND FULFILLING........ assisted by those who have been there - and done it!

NATIONAL MEETINGS

At the national level, Perceptions Forum holds quarterly business meetings, including an AGM when a National Chair, Vice Chair, and a Treasurer are elected by those present.


MAGAZINE

Perceptions publishes a quarterly magazine, "Perceptions" (Aha! See that stays the same!) , made up of contributions from the membership, that express people's varied views on mental illness and the system.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Perceptions Forum holds an annual conference on self-management and recovery themes for schizophrenia. At this conference service users get together and discuss the many ways we can "do it ourselves".

WEBSITE www.voicesforum.org.uk

Perceptions Forum has an extensive website containing dozens of articles from many members and one or two by professionals. It also has reports on the annual conferences, graphics, some of which are in full colour, poems, a mad game, information about Voices/Perceptions and much more.

POETRY COMPETITION

Perceptions Forum hosts an annual poetry competition named after a carer called Martha Robinson who bequeathed to Voices Forum (now Perceptions Forum) the money which funds it. There are prizes for the best entries and these are published in "Perceptions" and on the website subject to the permission of the authors.

OFFICE BASE

Perceptions Forum is supported nationally by a part-time paid worker who has also been a service user. This person is based at Kingston Rethink office.

Tel:  020 8547 9226  020 7330 9126
E-mail:  voicesforum @ rethink.org  perceptionsforum @ rethink.org

LOCAL GROUPS

Perceptions Forum has several local groups around the UK. These offer information, advice, social contact and friendship.

AREA LIAISON OFFICERS

Perceptions Forum has several volunteer ALOs who work from home and are on hand to provide support and information.

THE MEDIA

Some Perceptions Forum members have taken part in TV and radio programmes and written pieces for the national press.

We want to promote a more positive image of schizophrenia to counter inaccurate, misleading and sensationalist press reports.


REPRESENTATION

National Perceptions Forum is represented on Rethink Board of Trustees, other Rethink national committees, the Patients & Carers Liaison Group at the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence Guideline Development Group on Schizophrenia.

CONSULTATION

Perceptions Forum has contributed to the consultations on the proposed new Mental Health Act, by sending written submissions to the government and is a member of the Mental Health Alliance. Its views are regularly sought by mental health organisations.

The National Perceptions Forum Needs You!

Volunteer representatives are in constant demand at local and national level.

MEMBERSHIP IS FREE!

Why not get involved?
Do it today!

JOIN US

As a Full or Affiliate Member you will receive a quarterly magazine, "Perceptions" and as a Full Member only notice and minutes of national meetings. We can also put you in touch with your voluntary Area Liaison Officer who will be pleased, if they can, to assist in developing Perceptions Forum in your locality.

You can also join us using the online FORM

If you'd like to find out more about things we do online, have a look around the Works of Art and personal experiences told how they are, by the people.

(This page has been carefully cobbled together from the previous version by adjusting "VOICES" to read "PERCEPTIONS" and in other ways cunningly tweaked to make it in-keeping with the updated nomenclature! There's a different version which you can see at the Updated Perceptions Forum Leaflet!)