ISPS UK

Conference: Beyond Them & Us, Finding Common Ground
2025-05-14 10:00 - 17:00 UTC | Central Hall Manchester, Central Hall Manchester, Oldham Street, Manchester, M1 1JQ
Users & survivors of mental health services, their families and carers and mental health workers are often seen as having opposing positions. Consequently, opportunities for finding common ground, developing authentic relationships, and true allyship are rare.

Join us for this interactive and participatory conference where we’ll be using the innovative Trialogue approach to explore our differences and take the first steps to how we can work more effectively together to tackle the issues that matter most to us all: inadequate services, inequality, poverty, discrimination and the wider factors underlying many people’s experiences of madness and distress.

The conference will be hosted by the extraordinary Dr Líam MacGabhann with support of the ISPS UK Committee and will include our Annual General Meeting on the same day.

ISPS UK members receive a whopping 40% discount to the published ticket prices, please join as a member or contact us if you are already a member to request the discount code.

Your ticket price includes lunch & refreshments throughout the day.

For details of our host, all sessions/workshops and to purchase a ticket, please visit our Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/beyond-them-and-us-finding-common-ground-tickets-1237142639939

Please email events@ispsuk.org for any queries.

Family & Friends Journaling Group
2025-05-10 14:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
ISPS UK are delighted to introduce a free online journaling group which is for family members and friends of people with lived experience of ‘psychosis’. The group will be co-hosted by ISPS UK trustees Julia and Jen on the second Saturday of alternative months.
Q: What is journaling?
A: Journaling is a creative and informal practice of expressive writing. We start with a journaling prompt and then spend about 10 minutes responding to this in our journals. We follow this with a sharing and discussion space – but please note, you are never required to share your writing or to speak if you don’t wish to. The session is 2 hours long and there will be time for 3 writing prompts per session (the prompts are provided by the facilitators).
Q: Why is this group limited to friends/family members?
A: Helping to care for someone who has experienced or is experiencing psychosis can be challenging, confusing and emotionally draining. And dealing with mainstream mental health services can be often make things worse, leaving you feeling frustrated and exhausted. At ISPS UK we recognise that the particular needs and concerns of friends and family members are often overlooked in the urgency of a crisis situation; we also know how important it is to be heard and to feel supported. This journaling group will offer a space in which to explore the issues that are relevant to friends/family members, and to connect with others who have had similar experiences.
Q: Must I commit to every session?
A: No, you may attend any or all of the dates. These will be stand-alone sessions.
Q: Do I need to bring anything?
A: Just bring along a notebook or journal or even loose sheets, on which to write, and a pen or pencil that is comfortable to write with. This will be your own personal space in which to record your thoughts, feelings and ideas – so please do find a way to keep this journal secure and private to yourself.
Q: How do I get involved?
A:
Members: This group is free to attend for ISPS UK members. The details on how to register for the event have been sent to members. If you are a member and would like to receive these details again, please email admin@ispsuk.org.
Non-Members: Non-members can attend for a £5 donation per session, please email admin@ispsuk.org to register or alternatively if you would like to become a member, please follow this link. Please get in touch in cases of financial hardship if you want to participate.

Reflective Space
2025-05-09 11:30 - 13:00, 2025-04-11 11:30 - 13:00, 2025-03-14 11:30 - 13:00, 2025-02-14 11:30 - 13:00, 2025-01-10 11:30 - 13:00, 2024-12-13 11:30 - 13:00 | Zoom
ISPS UK is returning with our Reflective Space, a ninety-minute online forum every month.
This group will be particularly relevant for workers – GPs, nurses, peer support workers, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, therapists etc – to reflect on the challenges and rewards of working with people experiencing ‘psychosis’ in the current system.
Those who have an interest in ‘psychosis’ as one of the many forms of human experience may feel alone or alienated in their work. Others may want to share their ways of finding creative solutions. Our hope is that the group will be a source of mutual support, listening, community and belonging.
The group will be facilitated by ISPS UK trustees – Simon, Jess & Dorothée.
Groups will be 11.30am-1.00pm every second Friday of the month (with no group over August).
Please see below for dates for the first six months:

Friday 13th December 2024
Friday 10th January 2025
Friday 14th February 2025
Friday 14th March 2025
Friday 11th April 2025
Friday 9th May 2025

There is no obligation to attend all of the available groups, and members are free to attend as many or few as they want.
How do I get involved?
Members: This group is free to attend for ISPS UK members. The details on how to register for the event have been sent to members. If you are a member and would like to receive these details again, please email admin@ispsuk.org.
Non-Members: Non-members can attend for a £5 donation per session, please email admin@ispsuk.org to register or alternatively if you would like to become a member, please follow this link. Please get in touch in cases of financial hardship if you want to participate.

Raising Our Consciousness: Lived Experience Reflective Group
2025-04-16 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-03-12 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-02-12 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-01-15 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom
This monthly reflective group is a space for people with lived experience of ‘psychosis’ to get together and explore the ideas, beliefs, values and philosophies we use to explain and make sense of our lived experience of distress and ‘psychosis’.
Facilitated by ISPS Trustees Neil Caton and Jacqui Dillon.

How do I get involved?
Members: This group is free to attend for ISPS UK members. The details on how to register for the event have been sent to members. If you are a member and would like to receive these details again, please email admin@ispsuk.org.
Non-Members: Non-members can attend for a £5 donation per session, please email admin@ispsuk.org to register or alternatively if you would like to become a member, please follow this link. Please get in touch in cases of financial hardship if you want to participate.

Family & Friends Journaling Group
2025-03-08 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-01-11 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
ISPS UK are delighted to introduce a new, free online journaling group which is for family members and friends of people with lived experience of psychosis. The pilot group will be co-hosted by ISPS UK trustees Julia and Jen on the second Saturday of alternative months, beginning in November 2024. All members of ISPS are welcome.
Q: What is journaling?
A: Journaling is a creative and informal practice of expressive writing. We start with a journaling prompt and then spend about 10 minutes responding to this in our journals. We follow this with a sharing and discussion space – but please note, you are never required to share your writing or to speak if you don’t wish to. The session is 2 hours long and there will be time for 3 writing prompts per session (the prompts are provided by the facilitators).
Q: Why is this group limited to friends/family members?
A: Helping to care for someone who has experienced or is experiencing psychosis can be challenging, confusing and emotionally draining. And dealing with mainstream mental health services can be often make things worse, leaving you feeling frustrated and exhausted. At ISPS UK we recognise that the particular needs and concerns of friends and family members are often overlooked in the urgency of a crisis situation; we also know how important it is to be heard and to feel supported. This journaling group will offer a space in which to explore the issues that are relevant to friends/family members, and to connect with others who have had similar experiences.
Q: When will the journaling group take place?
A: We have set up three dates in the calendar, in order to conduct a pilot in the first instance. The dates and times are:

Saturday 9th November 2024 14:00 to 16:00
Saturday 11th January 2025 14:00 to 16:00
Saturday 8th March 2025 14:00 to 16:00

After this initial pilot period, we will welcome feedback and will review the project for things such as timing, frequency and format of the sessions. It may be felt that a longer session time is wanted; or a move to monthly sessions. All participants will be invited to share their feedback and preferences with us.
Q: Must I commit to every session?
A: No, you may attend any or all of the dates. These will be stand-alone sessions.
Q: Do I need to bring anything?
A: Just bring along a notebook or journal or even loose sheets, on which to write, and a pen or pencil that is comfortable to write with. This will be your own personal space in which to record your thoughts, feelings and ideas – so please do find a way to keep this journal secure and private to yourself.
Q: How do I get involved?
A:
Members: This group is free to attend for ISPS UK members. The details on how to register for the event have been sent to members. If you are a member and would like to receive these details again, please email admin@ispsuk.org.
Non-Members: Non-members can attend for a £5 donation per session, please email admin@ispsuk.org to register or alternatively if you would like to become a member, please follow this link. Please get in touch in cases of financial hardship if you want to participate.

Member's Networking Event: Creating Common Ground
2025-02-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
We’re thrilled to invite all ISPS UK members to an online networking event to get to know one another better, learn more about ISPS UK’s work and vision for the future, share your stories and feedback with trustees, and connect with members across our network – workers, carers, family & friends and those with lived experience all welcome!

We want to work with our members to create an active network of allies, empowering each of us to do meaningful work in our own areas and make a bigger difference together. We look forward to seeing you there!

Further information to be sent ISPS UK members via email. Please contact admin@ispsuk.org with any queries.

ISPS UK Reflective Group
2024-05-10 12:00 - 13:30, 2024-03-15 12:00 - 13:30, 2024-01-12 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom
ISPS UK would like to offer members our new reflective space, a ninety-minute online forum every two months.
All members of ISPS are welcome.
This group will be particularly relevant for professionals – GPs, nurses, peer support workers, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, therapists etc.- to reflect on the challenges and rewards of working with people experiencing ‘psychosis’ in the current system.
Members who have an interest in ‘psychosis’ as one of the many forms of human experience may feel alone or alienated in their work. Others may want to share their ways of finding creative solutions. Our hope is that the group will be a source of mutual support, listening, community and belonging.
The group will be facilitated by ISPS trustees – Simon & Jess. Groups will be 12-1.30 pm on the dates below:
Friday 3rd November 2023
Friday 12th January 2024
Friday 15th March 2024
Friday 10th May 2024
There is no obligation to attend all of the available groups, and members are free to attend as many or few as they want.

How do I join?

This group is open to ISPS UK members only, if you would like to become a member, please follow this link.

The details on how to register for the event have been sent to members. If you are a member and would like to receive these details again, please email admin@ispsuk.org.

Psychosis: Why Relationships Matter (ISPS UK Seminar & Annual General Meeting)
2024-04-26 12:00 - 16:30 | Keyworth Lecture Theatre, Keyworth Arts and Media Centre, London South Bank University, Keyworth Street, London, SE1 6NG, United Kingdom
We are delighted to invite you to the Annual General Meeting of ISPS UK where we will be joined by three renowned guest speakers who will explore problems with the current paradigm and why relationships are crucial to social and psychologically informed approaches to ‘psychosis’.
The afternoon will begin with a series of exciting talks by Professor John Read, Lisa Archibald and Dr Jacqui Dillon, as we delve into why relationships matter for those living with the experience described as ‘psychosis’. We will explore the profound space between two individuals, where connections are forged, meaning is made, and lives are transformed. How do these relationships happen within the context of mainstream services and how can we stay connected with people through crisis?
Our three talks will be:
• “How Diagnoses Keep People Apart” (Prof. John Read)
• “First Do No Harm – Iatrogenic Harm in Mental Health” (Dr Jacqui Dillon)
• “Intentional Peer Support – A relational approach to experiences that might get labelled as ‘psychosis’ ” (Lisa Archibald)
There will be an opportunity for some lively discussion with speakers and together we’ll explore the possibility of genuine collaboration in our work.
The Seminar will be followed at 3.30pm by the ISPS UK Annual General Meeting where you can learn more about our work this past year, contribute to future decisions and discuss your thoughts/feedback with trustees. AGM papers will be circulated to members at least 14 days prior to the meeting.
This gathering provides us with the invaluable chance to come together, share, celebrate, and collectively shape the path forward. We look forward to seeing you there.
Attendance is free for ISPS UK members and we have a limited number of free places for LSBU students. Seminar tickets are £25 for non-members.

Relationships with Anti Psychotics: Navigating Withdrawal Or Reduction
2024-01-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Are you struggling with redcuing or withdrawing from anti psychotics? Or supporting someone who is? Join us for an insightful online event where we will explore the challenges and complexities of navigating withdrawal from these medications.
Our speaker Mark Allen will talk to us about his journey withdrawing from anti psychotics and Dr Jeremy Wallace will talk about his experience supporting people through this process.
During this event, we will discuss various aspects of reducing or withdrawing from anti psychotics, including the risks and opportunities in navigating this process.
Whether you are considering reducing your medication or are already in the process, this event will offer a safe space for discussion and learning.

For further information and to sign up please visit: https://navigatingwithdrawalisps.eventbrite.co.uk Everybody welcome!

ISPS UK Reflective Group
2023-11-03 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom
ISPS UK Reflective Group

ISPS UK would like to offer members our new reflective space, a ninety-minute online forum every two months.

All members of ISPS are welcome.

This group will be particularly relevant for professionals – GPs, nurses, peer support workers, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, therapists etc.- to reflect on the challenges and rewards of working with people experiencing ‘psychosis’ in the current system.

Members who have an interest in ‘psychosis’ as one of the many forms of human experience may feel alone or alienated in their work. Others may want to share their ways of finding creative solutions. Our hope is that the group will be a source of mutual support, listening, community and belonging.

The group will be facilitated by ISPS trustees – Simon & Jess. Groups will be 12-1.30 pm on the dates below:

Friday 3rd November 2023

Friday 12th January 2024

Friday 15th March 2024

Friday 10th May 2024

There is no obligation to attend all of the available groups, and members are free to attend as many or few as they want.

How do I join?

This group is open to ISPS UK members only, if you would like to become a member, please follow this link.

The details on how to register for the event have been sent to members. If you are a member and would like to receive these details again, please email admin@ispsuk.org.

Love, Patience and Kindness: Working in Different Ways with 'Psychosis'
2023-09-12 09:30 - 16:00 | M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol, BS1 4RN, United Kingdom
The aim of this conference is to explore how we can support each other to improve services and experience across sectors, with a dialogue between people with experience of psychosis, their families and networks, and those working with them in all kinds of different settings, such as community projects, mental health services, charities, individual therapists.
An innovation and exploration event from the Psychosis Health Integration Team, in partnership with the International Society for Psychological and Social Approaches to Psychosis UK, and Bristol Hearing Voices Network. Supported by Bristol Health Partners, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, the Elizabeth Blackwell Institute, and ISPS UK.
We will hear from people with different perspectives on working with ‘psychosis’, including:
Jacqui Dillon – Writer, Activist and Consultant
Dorothee Bonnigal-Katz – Founder and Clinical Director of the Psychosis Therapy Project
James Robinson – Peer Support Worker, Bristol Early Intervention in Psychosis Team, Co-Director Bristol Psychosis Health Integration Team (HIT)
Jess Pons – ISPS UK Trustee, Psychotherapist, and project manager for https://synergiproject.org.uk/ a racial justice and mental health programme hosted by National Survivor User Network (NSUN)
Conor McCormack – Bristol Psychoanalyst in private practice
Hanna Van Der Woude – NHS Clinical Psychologist, Training Lead for Psychosis
Simon Downer – NHS Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist, ISPS UK Trustee and Co-Director Bristol Psychosis HIT
The current discourse in psychiatry and mental health creates groups of those who are mentally ill and those who are mentally healthy. It defines ‘recovery’ from psychosis as a reinsertion or reintegration into mainstream society. Psychotic ‘patients’ are seen as faulty in some way, and those from whom others (the healthy) need protection.
This conference will speak to a different narrative: that life itself is problematic, and we are all finding our own solutions to that. We hope to begin a dialogue that allows ‘psychosis’, and the ways that people experience that, to be seen as a particular way of negotiating life. We will hear each other’s voices, and put ourselves in a position of trying to understand.
In this creative and interactive conference, we will be able to consider how we might build networks to support and learn from each other.
Register here: ‘Love, Patience and Kindness: Working in Different Ways with Psychosis’ Conference Tickets, Tue 12 Sept 2023 at 9:30 | Eventbrite
Download: Love, Patience and Kindness – conference flyer

ISPS UK Webinar: Staff Relationships with Antipsychotics
2023-07-13 18:30 - 20:30 | Zoom
Our series of three webinars, Relationships with Anti-Psychotics, continues on 13 July with Staff Relationships with Antipsychotics.
What are the ethical dilemmas and personal conflicts that people working in mental health services face in relation to antipsychotic medications? Simon Downer, ISPS UK Trustee, will Chair this webinar which will be a dialogue where health care professionals share their own experiences of inpatient and community work in relation to antipsychotics. How do psychiatrists learn to think with patients about medications? How do personal beliefs influence staff practice? Do healthcare professionals struggle with using medications? How are issues of power addressed in relation to antipsychotics? These and other questions will be explored by a panel of people working in psychiatry. The attendees will be invited to participate in the discussion.
Registration and more information
Registration is free for ISPS members, please enter the promo code “Member” when registering. Registration is via Eventbrite at Relationships with Antipsychotics: Staff Relationships with Antipsychotics Tickets, Thu 13 Jul 2023 at 18:30 | Eventbrite
