Work

Staff and voice hearer perspectives on Hearing Voices Groups in the NHS: a mixed-methods cross-sectional survey

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: For over 40 years, Hearing Voices Groups (HVGs) have provided a space for individuals distressed by hearing voices to share their experiences openly. Most of these groups have existed in the community and adhere to a unique ethos which, at times, may be antithetical to that of mental health services. Recently, HVGs have started to be run within statutory services, including the UK's National Health Service (NHS), raising questions about the practical and ideological barriers and facilitators to their successful implementation. Methods: = 26) took part in a mixed-methods survey aimed at understanding their perspectives on delivering HVGs in the NHS. Results: Overall, both staff and HVG members expressed enthusiasm for HVGs in the NHS, recognising their role in fostering peer connection, though staff raised concerns about risk management and HVG members questioned whether NHS-run groups could fully uphold HVG ethos. Discussion: Whilst HVGs offer a promising user-led approach, further research is needed to understand precisely how to run these types of groups in statutory services.

Source: Frontiers in Psychology

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1583370

Authors: Alison Branitsky, Anthony P. Morrison, Eleanor Longden, Sandra Bucci, Filippo Varese

Institutions: Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester

Language: English

Topic: Mental Health and Patient Involvement

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801