Hearing Voices Network Ireland celebrated its 10th anniversary on 17 April 2025,
having had its launch on 17 April 2015 in Trinity College Dublin.
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 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.
Thanks for reading.
On behalf of the HVNI Board