The Hearing Voices Network is an International Peer Support organisation that helps people who hear voices, see visions, or experience other unusual sensory phenomena, focusing on empowerment rather than assuming mental illness
We are a global movement and as a network we promote the idea that hearing voices is a meaningful human variation rather than a sign of mental illness. We emphasise the relationship people have with their voices rather than the voices themselves as the problem.
The Hearing Voices Network offers peer-focused, empowering, self strengthening and a non stigmatising approach to understanding and living with voice hearing experiences, connecting people worldwide through local groups, international collaboration and sharing and creating educational resources.
HISTORY OF THE HEARING VOICES NETWORK. How did it all begin?
1987– Psychiatrist Marius Romme was challenged by voice hearer Patsy Hage, to listen to her and believe the value of her voices
1987 TELEVISION INTERVIEW .Recognising the limitation of psychiatry they sought out others who heard voices and were not distressed by them. Marius’ wife – Sandra Escher, a journalist at the time – helped to arrange an interview on prime time Dutch television. Patsy and Marius were interviewed by Sonja Barend and, after the show, around 450 people who heard voices contacted a special hotline. Of these, around 150 said that their voices did not bother them.
1987-First Hearing Voices Congress in the Netherlands and launch of Foundation Resonance
1990-New national networks
Pioneered by local champions who connected with the approach, national networks began to emerge in England, Austria, Japan, Finland and beyond.
2007 Launch of Intervoice
Launched at the Hearing Voices Congress in Denmark, Intervoice was set up to provide administrative and co-ordinating support to the many and varied networks, groups and initiatives around the world.
2007- NEW ZEALAND – the first event was held at the Leys Institute in Ponsonby, to get together people interested in starting the Hearing Voices Network in New Zealand. It was attended by the following people and speakers. Ron Coleman, Arana Pearson, Vanessa Beaven, Debra Lampshire and Adrienne Giacon and Gary Sutcliffe. Those interested met at Blueprint, and decided to start the first hearing voices group in NZ
2007- The First Hearing Voices Network Support group was started in New Zealand in Henderson. Gary Sutcliffe, offered the use of Te Ata, in Hickory Avenue in Henderson. Adrienne Giacon and Lorna Murray started the first regular support group – independant of mental health services, open to the public.
2007 14th September the Hearing Voices Network Aotearoa Incorporated Society was registered
2008 30th June, Hearing Voices Network Aotearoa NZ, became a legal charity in New Zealand. The first co-chairs were Lorna Murray and Arana Pearson. Vanessa Beaven the treasurer and Adrienne Giacon the Secretary.
2026 Over the years we have held many workshops and events, with local and overseas speakers to promote the philosophy of the Hearing Voices Network here in New Zealand. We are made from volunteers all wanting to do what we can to make a difference for people with these experiences.
HEARING VOICES NETWORK AOTEAROA NZ 