2016 has been a difficult year so far, with many violent actions fuelled by intolerance, hatred and fear. We stand alongside those who have been victimised, hurt, abused, neglected or left feeling like they don’t belong in our society. Without minimising the impact of such events and actions, we have also seen many examples of sharing, connection, hope and courage. We have heard about new groups, new networks and people who are doing their best to create a world where people who hear voices (or have any other form of difference) are accepted and valued for who they are.
World Hearing Voices Day celebrates hearing voices as part of the diversity of human experience, increasing awareness of the fact that you can hear voices and be healthy. It challenges the negative attitudes towards people who hear voices and the incorrect assumption that hearing voices, in itself, is a sign of illness.
Inspired by Louise Pembroke, a voice hearer and psychiatric survivor from England, we have celebrated World Hearing Voices Day since 2006. Without core funding, World Hearing Voices Day relies on the creativity, energy and passion of our members. Thankfully, our membership is overflowing with ideas and we have witnessed an impressive array of events and activities across the world. These events have included celebrations, social media campaigns, poetry/music events, conferences, marches, stalls and gatherings.
How are you celebrating World Hearing Voices Day?
For our 2016 World Hearing Voices Day, we want to hear about what you are doing in your part of the world to celebrate the diversity of human experience, to encourage people to talk about voices and visions, and to challenged prejudice and discrimination.
Celebrate with us by:
- Hosting, or going to, an event (tell us what you’re planning and we’ll promote it)
- Using the day to talk about ‘hearing voices’. Share some of Intervoice’s essential facts and promote some discussion with friends, colleagues and relatives.
- Using social media to raise awareness (for example, by tweeting about voices and visions with the hashtag #WorldHearingVoicesDay)
- Download, and use, our World Hearing Voices Day logos on your website or social media (http://bit.ly/YIcG2o)
- Share quotes from voice-hearers on your website or social media (http://bit.ly/YIcG2o)
- Take part in Psycope’s one minute silence as a mark of respect to those for whom silence can be hard to find (12pm)
Everything you do to help us raise awareness of hearing voices is appreciated – if we all do one small thing we can collectively make a big difference!
Each year, we list all of the events on this website. If you’re planning an event, or want to tell us about something you’ve done to celebrate World Hearing Voices Day, contact us at [email protected], or join our Word Hearing Voices Day Facebook Group.
Download a PDF of our posters:
