Terry was a fine activist, an activists activist. He exemplified moral integrity and worked solidly, with no ego, no status seeking, no money seeking. He worked hard for what he in believed in with a fine intellect and with genuine care and support of others. He wasn't afraid to speak out and you knew you could rely on him. There's noone else like him around. What a loss to us all, a big loss to the hearing voices movement. Kindest wishes to Julie and family. Lou

Terry was a very special man, a kind man and the kind of man whose moral conscience was at the right end of the spectrum. He was not afraid to shout loudly when needed and work with others to create platforms for radical and innovative thinking. He was a true giant among us. He will be sorely missed and his not being here leaves a void in activist thinking and activity. Kind regards to Terry’s family and friends.

I knew as Terence a wonderfully gentle but persistant guy with the ability to surprise me even after I´d known him for many years.

A few years back we both were invited to Malaga University in Southern Spain to talk about the hearing voices movement and critical psychiatry to a large and enthusiastic group of young, radical psychologists and anarchists. Terence gave a moving, personal speech, recounting the story of his first visit to Spain, when as a young man he wanted to show his opposition to Francos´regime. He told us that his subsequent imprisonment and the mental distress he suffered as a result became a springboard for his future activism. All of which was new to me!

We spent a great time together, enjoying the optimism of our hosts and marvelling at their energy in converting a squatted building into a "Peoples´ Centre" (it was like revisiting Manchester in the early 1970´s); seeking out genuine Gitano Flamenco bars in the early hours of the morning; and marvelling how far in the world you could travel and still find an Aldi supermarket (or was it Lidl?) and how useful that cheap stuff they sold in the central aisle could be - well maybe one day, too cheap to walk a way from anyway!

Terence was a guy with many sides, an intellectual, a political activist, a strategist, a man whose loyalties always lay with the disempowered and the marginalised, but above all he was a good and reliable friend, who stuck with the cause through fat and thin...

Terry, the strugglehas benefitted immeasuably from your contribution

We´ll never forget you.

I met Terry this year in Copenhagen. I don´t know much about him. What I do know: I liked him. He was a very friendly man, quiet as I like it. July, I wish you and your family and friends a lot of strength. I´ll light a candle for him on 11th september... I´m glad to have met you....

When Peter informed me of the sad news on the phone last night I was shocked and sad. Its very rare that you meet someone of such passion, kindness and interlect. However, I thought about all of the amazing work that has been done so far by HVN, intervoice, asylum etc and then felt proud to have known such a great man and proud to be part of this movement-the movement that he helped to fashion. A movement that will eventually lead to democratic psychiatry. A movement that will help and inspire 1000s of voices hearers to cope and recover and not feel ignored and misunderstood by the medical model. What an amazing legacy to leave behind and how his memory will inspire us forwards. I'll miss you Terry

Sosad to know that Terence has left us. I have seen him the last time in Manchester one year ago. Hewas so enthusiast to celebrate many events in the same time, theAsylum magazine anniversary, the hearing voives network niversary and then the idea of an european network of democratic experinces. He wanted me to give a contribution in that occasion ad I was very honowred ti particpate. Marius, Sandra, Peter Bllimore, Paul Baker and many other old friends were there as well as Judy to whom I feel very close in thismomemt. Terence will continue to live with us for longtime stimulating us to go on with ourcommitment fer betterhealh and rights of people

I'm sad to learn of the death of Terence. I met him many times and we allways had some small, quiet conversations. The first time we met was at the first hearing voices conference in Sweden, in Södertälje in September 1996 - and the last time in June this summer, at the Intervoice meeting in Lyngby, Denmark. I hope somebody will be able to continue his important work as editor of Asylum Magazine and Asylum Books.

My knowledge of Terry was mainly via phone conversations - he and I lived too far apart to meet very often and when we did so it was usually in the midst of fairly hectic business concerning the production or promotion of ASYLUM magazine. It is clear that he was a main force (the main force?) in keeping the magazine going for the last ten years or so, and for that - as the founder editor - I am eternally grateful.

Terry McLaughlin my true friend and comarade I am really saddened by your passing you were a great inspiration on my life your pearls of wisdom that simplified problems one of the only few people i have ever listened to with great interest, we have lost a great thinker and someone with who i shared a vision of equality, Terry was possibly the only academic that came down from the Ivory towers to share his vision with the the person in the system, he will be greatly missed. Peter Bullimore

I wish to extend my heartfelt condolesences to Terry’s wife and family. This must be terrible for them to bear. Suddenly we have all lost such a good man. Terry and I lived far apart and did not often see each other – and then usually in the context of some or other rather hectic meeting. All the same, Terry was open-handed - he had no ‘side’ - and I feel I got to know him well by means of our many conversations by phone and email. Amongst very few others, I counted him a true friend and an intelligent and absolutely reliable ally. As founder editor and its first general factotum, I am eternally grateful to Terry for his invaluable work on ASYLUM magazine during the last ten years or so. So should be anyone who works for compassion and democracy in our mental welfare system. Circumstances kept me out of touch with things for much of that time, but it seems that Terry was a main force (the main force?) not only in keeping the magazine going during that decade but in extending its power and reach. I am sure there are many others in the wider movement who have their own memories of Terry’s untiring work. For it is clear that he recognised that the movement is nothing without community and communication, and it seems that - singularly without fear, favour or egotism - he devoted as much as his life as he was able to the cause. I will fondly remember Terry McLaughlin as a gentle, thoroughly decent and self-effacing but relentless and inspirational fighter for truth and social justice.

We grieve with Julie about the loss of Terence.

Let us remember him by sharing the stories of when we met him.

The photo on this page of Julie and Terence was taken by Trevor Eyles in Denmark at the Intervoice meeting in June 2007.

Sandra and Marius

I have a writing handicapp so all I want to say is that I feel gutted at hearing of the loss of Terry. If you ever watch the "Guns of Navarone" Film you will realise we have lost a very big gun in our war to fight for a humanitarian Medical Model which one day might put people before money. I am no great writer but I feel gutted - we have lost a very big gun of "Navarone". I am very sorry and my heart goes out to his family. Shuresh Patel University of Bolton, UK.

I first met Terry a short time ago at the INTAR conference in Kilarney, Ireland. Terry had Irish background and liked music and we made a lasting bond. Jim and I were writing our story then and he took an immediate interest in it. He encouraged us and thanks to his help and support the book is now a reality. He spoke at three Irish launches of our book and it was great to have him with us in my home town Gurteen, Co. Sligo, where he enjoyed some Irish music played by Peter Horan, famous Sligo musician. It was because of his interest in our music that last night I composed an Irish dance tune for the first time in his honour. He visited Ireland many times in the last year and his special gentle, firm, strong spirit will remain with us.

Terry was my loyal friend and comrade a fellow freedom fighter and sometime father figure. He was a noble and honourable man, quiet and unassuming with a mischievous smile and a big heart. He was a trusted confidant and whenever I sought his counsel his eyes would twinkle with intelligence and compassion. I only ever received wisdom, unconditional support and kindness from him. He has touched and inspired me and so many others, with his uncompromising integrity and commitment to truth and justice, the legacy of which will live on and on. I am proud to have been his friend.

Terry without you and yours I would never have got out of the system, you fought for me when i could not and when i learned to fight back you fought alongside me till i finally got out of the system. i owe you much more than words can say. you will live on for many of us. Ron

So shocked to hear of the death of Terry, Julie. Thank you so much to both Terry and Julie for opening your home to me and my children on the visits to Manchester for Hearing Voices events.It meant far more to me than just a bed for the night. Thankyou for all that you stood for and held true to your heart. It will not be in vain. Will not be able to the the funeral in body but me and Lucy and Alexander will be there in spirit - I will be out talking to a bunch of psychiatrists about hearing voices, ironically this feels very appropriate. I feel great sadness at your death because you were such a nice person. I also feel very grateful for what you have given and left for us all to continue fighting for. Love Elaine x

Terry, you are simply irreplaceable. Your commitment to the human rights of people oppressed by psychiatry was as passionate as your voice was gentle. You carried Asylum through difficult times making a great success of redesigning and relaunching it, and involving new voices. Your quiet humour, so often sparked off with and by Julie, brightened up any occasion. It was a privilege to have known and worked with you. We continue the fight for justice inspired by your example, and in your memory. Phil

Terry was the gentle giant of the hearing voices movement. When I stayed with Terry and Julie I always felt at home. Terry was a great mentor to me and gave me a lot of support and encouragement for many years. Whenever I really needed wise guidance on ways to understand, resist or subvert oppressive systems, he was there. Always passionate about tackling injustice and helping people to speak their truths, he was and will always be an inspirational person to me. Terry was an organiser and a great thinker. He taught me for example about how important it was to involve artists and young people in liberatory mental health activism. You have helped many people in many ways, the warm fire in your heart burns on in ours. Thankyou.

To me Terry was a kind, committed passionate man in a very quiet and understated way.He had a brilliant sense of humour,and when we were getting 'Aylum' up and running again, it was this humour and his dedication to doing the right thing with and for people who often had no other voice,that kept me going. I cannot imagine how Julie ,Carmen and the rest of his family are feeling right now,but some comfort may be gained by knowing what a unique person they shared with the rest of us. He was my friend - and I loved him. Stella xxxx

I got to knowTerry around the time that John Edginton and I made the Horizon documentary, Hearing Voices. Although I had only met him two or three times, whenever I subsequently called him up for advice or information, he greeted me - without fuss - as though we'd been good friends for years. He instantly made me feel like one of the family. What that family was, I couldn't have said at the time, but now I know - and all the loving, appreciative comments I've just read (some from old familiar names) only serve to bear this out. It's a family of people who value each other, who value what a person is and can be, who will steadfastly work to remove whatever is in the way of being healthy, being fully human. I can see the twinkle in his eye as I write this now and I can feel his gentle but intimate reserve, which always made me leave his company with a feeling of generous increase. The family is growing and Terry will continue to expand it beyond measure. It was my privilege to have met him.

Terry and I stayed over with an International Society for Theoretical Psychology colleague for a couple of days after the Berlin conference in 1997. I was a postgrad at the time and Terry was very generous with his support while also being that rare person in academe: someone whose warmth, wit and generousity of spirit was a delight to share. He will not be forgotten by those who met him.

We were both six years old when Terence and I first met. And now they tell me he is gone. I don't have to believe it if I don't want to.

The first time I met Terry was last year at the hearing voices conference in Manchester. Since then I only met him twice, but have been very impressed and inspired by him every time. A dream that I had about Terry the night after I knew he had died expresses why I will always look up to him.
We were both sitting on a bench somewhere outside and we were talking about him having to die. At first he looked very sad and tired. But then he got up and said "No matter if I die, I will still fight for the good cause!"
He didn`t say this with a loud voice at all, but with a gentle and unassuming voice that made his message so beautiful and convincing. This is exactly how I will remember him and how he will inspire and encourage me in the future. I feel very privileged to have known him.

I have known Terence since I was 14 (33 years ago) back in the days of Eaves Street Blackpool, and have lots of memories

Terence was perhaps one of the last great revolutionaries. He was kind and wise too which is a rare combination I think.

I feel very lucky to have known Terence and sad that I won't share happy late nights before HVN meetings in his delightful company again. He was one of the people of whom knowing he was there in the world made me feel that right has strength on its side and will ultimately triumph. He gave out so much to all of us that there's no doubt but that he lives on.

Terence who remained true to his own fundamental beliefs.

It was a privilege to be there yesterday with so many of Terry's friends and with his and Julie's amazing family to wish Terry such a fitting and heart-felt farewell. Terry was one of the loveliest men I have known and I will treasure the times I spent with him. Indefatigibly optimistic, always good humored, wise but always a little unwordly (only Terry could mistake a gay bar for a working men's club!), it was an immense pleasure and an inspiration to have known him.

I heard about Terry before I met him and was daunted by the stories I had heard about his passion, intelligence, radicalism ... I was nervous about meeting him. But then I did, and met a lovely gentle man. We managed several pints together, along with his beautiful wife Julie and others from HVN (there was also some work done!). The craic was always good and the conversation spirited. Terry probably didn't know it but his support and encouragment have had a huge influence on me. I am devastated by the news that I will not be able to see him again but I am very glad for the times that I did. Tracy

Silver hair, white beard, flowing shirt, twinkling eye, sharp mind gentle voice, Terry was a rock of integrity and a passionate voice for all victims of psychiatry. It was such a privilege to have worked with him over the last two years. I know his spirit will never die. Thankyou to all his lovely family and friends for the memorable service in Stockport yesterday.

I met Terry 11th of December last year in Cork at the launch of Jim and Mary's book 'Soul Survivor', where he was speaking. Shortly after we were introduced I became aware that I was in the presence of a great mind, and much more than that; a truly, deeply spiritual man. He could tap into other realms with great ease and humour. I feel so fortunate now that I had the honour of meeting Terry and I will never, ever forget him. What I shall do to honour him, is continue to break down barriers and dispel the myth of so-called mental illness, society's collective lie, in my everyday life, and (when my children are older) in a more proactive role. Terry really cared and worked for a higher good, he took mental health out of the human rights arena and turned it into a civil rights movement, which inspired me greatly. Terry deeply inspired me and gave me the courage to confirm truths I had known all along but didn't have the confidence to really acknowledge. Like all truly great people, Terry was humble and gentle, empowering to others, full of integrity, open-minded and true to his beliefs in a passionate and loving way. He had great courage. I was shocked and saddened by his death but now realise that his light will always shine very brightly. I look forward to reading his work. I send lots of love to Terry's family.

I met Terry back in the early 1990's when i was working with the Hearing Voices Group in Manchester for my doctoral research and meeting very many kind, compassionate and wonderful people who really knew and understood oppression of all kinds - particularly psychophobia. Terry was an emblem of such compassion and heartfelt understanding. Terry was always very supportive of my work, but above all gave me support and encouragment when my Mother was sectioned. it was a delight to see him for the last time at a Hearing Voices Conference a few years ago in Surrey where he met my Mother and i could return full circle to the importance of the connection between the personal and the political. He always greeted me with that knowing twinkle in his eye and i am very saddened at his untimely passing. I send my condolences to Julie and friends and family.

Truely shocked. I will miss Terry immensely. It saddens me that I did not see as much of him over the last six months as I would have liked. Terry, thank you for your wonderfully sharp intellect, your gentle, mischievous humour and wit, and your persistently radical take on the world and mental health. To spend even just an hour or so talking with Terry was refreshing - his acute mind always shifted me out of any intellectual comfort zone - Terry, my friend, kept me on my toes. He made me think, he still makes me think. Terry was a brave and courageous warrior. There will never be anyone like Terry. Dear Terry, it was my honour to have known you, to have sat and talked with you, to have shared a cider...or two, with you, and to have been a passenger in your souped-up VW Golf!! You'll remain in my thoughts always...I am so sorry Terry I was not with you and your family to say a final goodbye. I was just too far away. But I believe you would forgive me. Thanks. I will miss you. Terry, long may your take on psychiatry - and the world - rattle and shake us all Thinking of you now, Julie and family.

Terry was a fine man and a true revolutionary. Our condolences to Julie and his family from everybody at Mad Pride. When I was in Manchester he was very supportive of all Mad Pride events and one of my great memories will be of Terry dancing at our first gig there. He will be sorely missed.

On meeting Terence only on two occasions I was struck by a gentle, warm and understanding presence. Both occasions his moral conscience towards humanity -- especially to those suffering the injustices of psychiatry -- was very clear, deep and uncompromising. Terence, it was a rare privilege to hear you passionately speak at the 2006 HVN Conference; a pleasure to meet you afterwards in the pub; an honour to have rallied with you and HVN in Manchester, Piccadilly Gardens. Thank you! May echos of your compassionate, empowering voice continue resonating through me and this world forevermore. I send Julie, Carmen and the rest of his family my belated sincere condolences and best regards.

Call for contributions to the Dr Terence McLaughlin tribute edition of ASYLUM magazine. We hope this will be ready for early Spring 2008. Deadline for copy concerning Terry's life - photos, writing, graphics or whatever: January 31, 2008. Contributions to: tigerpapers@btinternet.com

Terence was a quiet, gentle and occasionally brave communicator who was a pioneer and empanciapator of high calibre in the field of public health. He saved lives in the UK and elsewhere.

Obituary Terence McLaughlin Working as a consultant for a number of groups, the psychologist Terence McLaughlin, who has died of cancer aged 49, was an unsung hero of mental health activism Ian Parker and Dave Harper Friday January 25, 2008 The Guardian Working as a consultant for a number of groups, the psychologist Terence McLaughlin, who has died of cancer aged 49, was an unsung hero of mental health activism. While still a mature student at what became Manchester Metropolitan University (formerly Manchester Polytechnic), he became involved in the Hearing Voices Network, bringing together people who challenged mainstream views of what professionals often describe as "auditory hallucinations". The movement was then at an early stage of development in Britain, and McLaughlin, who graduated in 1992, focused on it in his PhD, awarded by Manchester Metropolitan University in 2000. Article continues The movement sought to avoid attempts to make those who use mental health services comply with what psychiatrists prescribe as treatment, drawing instead on its own resources to offer alternatives to medical intervention. Born in Liverpool, McLaughlin was a revolutionary socialist and spent many years working in industry. As a psychologist, he was much more interested in grassroots campaigning than career advancement. He was a co-author of Deconstructing Psychopathology (1995) and brought radical perspectives to conferences and publications, challenging experts' definitions of normal and abnormal behaviour. He was also executive editor of Asylum, the magazine for democratic psychiatry. His research always served wider political struggles, and he sought to keep histories of resistance alive. McLaughlin was a modest man, often to be found in the background, facilitating the involvement of others. Campaigns with which he was involved included Manchester Hearing Voices Network, the Paranoia Network, the North-west Right to Refuse Electroshock campaign, Psychology Politics Resistance and the campaign against the mental health bill. He had a sceptical attitude towards those in power, including psychologists. He was also a very generous person with a mischievous sense of humour. He is survived by his wife Julie and children Mano, Juanita, Roisin, Mia, Grania and Carmen