This page is intended to provide helpful resources for Hearing Voices support group facilitators, as well as those who are interested in starting a local group or other project.
General peer support and group facilitation resources:
- Mental health peer support group leadership (free video training modules and manual developed by the Mood Disorders Association of BC)
- Peer Connect BC provincial peer support worker training curriculum (free, 16-module online course with printable certificate, developed by and for peer support workers)
- Peer Connect BC resource library (searchable articles and resources on a range of topics, including facilitation resources)
- Project LETS (US-focused – grassroots peer support organization that hosts a range of trainings, webinars and resources)
How do I start a local Hearing Voices group, network, or community project?
- Try connecting first with local mental health, peer support, or other community groups to see if there are other people who are also interested in starting a Hearing Voices group, or if anyone else is already working on starting one in your area. Ask around!
- The English Hearing Voices Network has several helpful pages, including Setting up a Hearing Voices Group, Setting up Online Groups, and HVN Groups Charter.
- Trans Care BC has a guide for starting peer support groups – although it’s written with peer support groups for LGBTQ2S+ people in mind, a lot of the information also applies to Hearing Voices support groups!
- There are many possible resources to consider that might help to support your project. Community/friendship centres, libraries, neighbourhood houses, community health centres, consumer involvement and community wellness initiatives, local grants, and more are just a few options. Contact us for help finding resources in your local community that might be able to support your project, or try using the BC funding opportunity search tool, the BC Healthy Communities funding opportunities page, or searching for organizations in your area using the BC 211 search tool.
- You might also want to organize a more informal meetup or event. There are many online tools that can help you to organize social events, such as Meetup or Eventbrite.
Resources for sharing at groups:
- Intervoice resources
- Understanding Voices quick reads
- BC Hearing Voices Network flyer, designed by Michael Donnelly:
BC Hearing Voices Network 