Hearing Voices Network Ireland is celebrating its 10th anniversary on 17 April 2025, having had its launch on 17 April 2015 in TCD (https://hearingvoicesnetworkireland.ie/hvni-national-launch/)
Since that time HVNI has organised various HV related courses and workshops, facilitated by experts by experience, such as Jacqui Dillon, Rai Waddingham, Peter Bullimore, Rufus May and Elisabeth Svanholmer, providing training to voice hearers, health and social care professionals, community workers, family members. Such courses not only broadened the awareness of and understanding in working with voice hearers in a validating manner but also expanded the number of HV Support groups across the country. Although the Covid pandemic has led to a reduction in HV support groups over the years, there are still between 14 and 17 HV support groups active around the country (currently waiting to hear from 3 groups), with a number of those groups pre-existing the launch of the HVNI. We are hopeful that with further training this year, we can further expand the number of groups. We also plan to organise an online meeting with HV facilitators to discuss general issues of ongoing support. We are also considering ways to reach out to younger people and to family members/carers.
In 2021 HVNI organised the12th Annual World Hearing Voices Congress from 1 – 3 September. Due to the Covid 19 restrictions at the time, the Congress took place online. We were ready to welcome the HV community to Cork, but instead, Cork came to the world, in an online fashion!
The HVNI Board currently seeks new Board members. We would love to hear from people, including of course those with lived experience of voice hearing, who are interested in the aims and goals of the HVNI, and like to be part of the ongoing development of the network. We are in particular interested to hear from people with committee work experience (desirable), with skills ranging from PR, social media, general administration. The Board meets online on average once a month. Please express your interest via [email protected].
Finally, please visit the HVNI website https://hearingvoicesnetworkireland.ie/ where you will find information on the aims and goals of the network. Here you will also find various HV related resources.
Donations are always welcome: https://tinyurl.com/3hsp8ecn
Thanks for reading.