The following links are to websites we have found to be a good source of information, advice or support.

Recovery and Person Centred Planning

CrazyDiamond Training & Consultancy

A small and personal collective of experts by profession and experience working in the wider fields of Mental Health, Social Care and Young People’s Services. They provide training on a wide range of issues, and have recently pioneered the THRIVE Approach To Mental Wellness

http://www.crazydiamond.org.uk

Mental Health Recovery & WRAP

A site containing info on recovery, crisis planning, self esteem and self help. A useful resource for people experiencing mental distress aswell as those trying to support them

http://www.mentalhealthrecovery.com

Working to recovery

Ron is a survivor, a trainer, an author and has developed a recovery centred approach for helping others with their own ‘voices’ and experiences. His website details some of his experiences, his work, his writing and his training days/workshops

http://www.workingtorecovery.co.uk/

Forums and peer support

MadNOTBad

A space for those affected by mental ill health/distress to share their experiences, opinions and creative talents online. It's aim is to combat the isolation, stigma and misconceptions that tend to surround mental illness and promote the idea that 'being mad don't make you bad'

http://www.madnotbad.co.uk

Service directories

LAMPdirect

Lots of information on a wide range of issues (including housing and benefits), an extensive contact directory (local & nationwide), plus the latest news and a discussion board.

http://www.lampdirect.org.uk

City Supporting People service directory

A list of local housing related support providers in the City:
http://www.leicester.gov.uk/supportingpeople/search.asp

For county services visit: http://www.leics.gov.uk/index/social_services/general_information/supporting_people

The Counselling Directory  

The purpose of the site is to provide the UK with a huge counselling support network, enabling those in distress to find a counsellor close to them and appropriate for their needs. This is a free, confidential service that will hopefully encourage those in distress to seek help. The website also contains a number of sections on emotional disorders (types of distress section) and provides some useful statistics.  

www.counselling-directory.org.uk

Hearing voices

Hearing Voices Network 

Information on the organisation and related self help & support groups (all over the country). List of publications and some links

http://www.hearing-voices.org

Intervoice - The International Community For Hearing Voices

Contains lots of information on voice-hearing and related experiences - including people's stories, alternative perspectives, hearing voices groups, research, events, latest news, publications and a discussion forum

http://www.intervoiceonline.org

The Voice Collective 

A web resource and peer support groups for children and young  people (12-18) who experience voices and visions

When we're talking about voices and visions, we're talking about people seeing, hearing or sensing things that other people around them don't. Some people have experiences which comfort, inspire or make them laugh. Others have ones that are more frightening and confusing. Many have a bit of both.

http://www.voicecollective.co.uk/

Medication

Coping with coming off

This website aims to give you up to date information about psychiatric medication, how it functions and the withdrawal process. It is put together by people who have been prescribed medication and withdrawn from it, and clinicians who have been involved in supporting this process. If we have a period of distress or confusion and receive medical help we are generally given a diagnosis and prescribed psychiatric drugs. Research suggests doctors tend to know more about putting people on medication than the actual withdrawal process. It is important therefore to disseminate information about the ‘coming off’ process.

http://www.comingoff.com

The April Charity - Adverse psychiatric reactions to medication

APRIL was founded by Millie Kieve who began researching for information about adverse drug reactions (ADR's) after the death of her daughter Karen in 1995.

http://www.april.org.uk

Benzo.org

This web site is dedicated to sufferers of iatrogenic benzodiazepine tranquilliser addiction everywhere. Launched on July 6, 2000 with a dozen pages this site now has around 800 pages of articles and information, expert medical documents, news stories and personal accounts.

http://www.benzo.org.uk/index.htm

Neuroleptic Awareness

On this website you will find a variety of information regarding neuroleptics, or anti-psychotic medication, in relation to the human body.

The purpose is to assist service users, carers and health and social care practitioners in achieving a fuller understanding of the impact of medication than is commonly taught in under-graduate and post-graduate university courses.

http://www.neuroleptic-awareness.co.uk/?Introduction

The Seroxat User Group

The Seroxat User Group was set up by UK patients using the GlaxoSmithKline medication, Seroxat, to provide support and advice to users of the medication, and to their families and friends.

http://www.seroxatusergroup.org.uk

Advocacy and rights

LAMP Advocacy Project

Advocacy is a way of empowering people. It helps them express their personal views and needs so that they can get their rights and entitlements. Advocacy also assists people to make informed choices by offering them the information they need. When you first make contact with one of our Mental Health Advocates, they will listen to you to find out what is needed to ease the situation. They will discuss with you what your options are and how you wish to proceed. They will not proceed without your consent. Your opinions and feelings will be respected and treated confidentially. The Advocate will not judge you or patronise you.

http://www.lampdirect.org.uk/lamp/SUAdvocacy.html

International

Mind Freedom

MFI is an independent nonprofit coalition defending human rights and promoting humane alternatives for mental and emotional well being.

http://www.mindfreedom.org

Creativity

The Icarus Project - Navigating The Space Between Brilliance & Madness

By joining together as individuals and as a community, the intertwined threads of madness and creativity can inspire hope and transformation in an oppressive and damaged world. Our participation in The Icarus Project helps us overcome alienation and tap into the true potential that lies between brilliance and madness" - An online community sharing artwork, articles and support

http://theicarusproject.net

Brightsparks

Originally run informally, BrightSparks is a formally constituted arts in mental health group. It’s central principles are: to use the arts to promote positive images of mental health; social inclusion; and service user and carer involvement. It exists to acknowledge, support, and showcase the creative talent that exists within the mental health community through an expanding portfolio of creative projects. These include: The BrightSparks Annual Showcase, The Brighter Side and Artspace.

http://brightsparks.wordpress.com/about/

Employment, training and education

REMIT provides advice, guidance and supportive learning opportunities in community settings for adults who have experienced mental health problems and for people who are homeless or vulnerably housed.

REMIT is based at:

REMIT

MINDFUL EMPLOYER^® 

Mindful Employer is open to any employer in the UK, whether small, medium or large, private, public or voluntary sector. Mindful employer is facilitated by Workways which provides information, advice and practical support for people whose mental health affects thier ability to find or remain in employmet, training, education and voluntary work. For more information follow the link below:

http://www.mindfulemployer.net/about_us.html