Speaking Out

HUG was established in June 1996 out of the need for people with similar experiences to speak out about their lives and share information.

We have been extremely successful in giving a voice to people's experiences and the services they need, improving communication and understanding between users and service providers, and in helping to change the culture and attitudes that surround people with mental illness.

HUG is run by its members - by hearing what they have to say about their experiences and what they think would improve their lives, HUG gains information on how to campaign for change.

We believe it is essential that people learn about mental illness directly from those who suffer from it: as long as people with a mental illness are excluded, ignorance, fear and mistrust will remain widespread.