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These five papers describe in detail the work of the Hearing Voices Network in Manchester, UK. They discuss the self-help groups for voice-hearers which they facilitate in which people describe what the voices have been saying in the past week, how they have been dealing with this experience, and sharing both struggles and delights. This is the only space for many of these folks to be able to talk about what their voices are saying and how they respond. At times the sharing of coping strategies is ingenious and participants regularly describe how these groups make a significant difference to their lives. Recently, a women’s group has been initiated as have groups for Cantonese speakers and for gay and lesbian participants. In London, the first group for deaf voice-hearers is also up and running. The Hearing Voices Network also receives phone calls from voice-hearers all over the UK and also from different countries in Europe. Calls have come from as far away as Australia and the US. There are not many phone numbers that one can call to talk about the voices you are hearing and know that you will be listened to and responded to by someone who understands the experience. There are not too many places where you will be welcomed rather than ostracised for experiencing life differently than most. These five papers will be invaluable both for those working with people experiencing auditory hallucinations and also voice-hearers themselves.
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