Mind Link: Your questions answered

Q. Who can become a member of Mind Link? Does membership include people who have received psychiatric treatment?
A. Anyone who defines themselves as a user of mental health services can join. In fact, membership of Mind Link is restricted to users, past or present.

Q. Must I have had in-patient treatment to qualify?
A. No. Many people in distress don't get treated in hospital - but that doesn't mean that their distress isn't disabling.

Q. I'm already a member of Mind - does that automatically make me a member of Mind Link?
A. No. Membership of Mind Link is separate from membership of Mind.

Q. So, does joining Mind Link make me a member of Mind?
A. Again, no. Membership of Mind Link is free - membership of Mind costs just £5.00 for Mind Link members.

Q. Why should I join Mind Link?
A .Mind Link is a vital part of Mind's commitment to user representation and consultation. Membership provides the opportunity for you to have a major effect on mental health policy and campaigning.

Q. I bet that doesn't include representation on the Council of Management of Mind!
A. Oh yes it does! The Mind Link Terms of Reference gives Mind Link the right to a co-opted place on the Council of Management. In addition, many individuals on Council of Management are members of Mind Link in their own right. Mind Link representatives also sit on the policies, conference and training, millennium fund and Openmind committees.

Q. Does Mind Link offer ways to get my voice heard?
A. Yes. Mind Link members are involved in the work of Mind in a variety of ways. For example - speaking to the media, acting as user consultants, being a member of a committee, writing for Mind Link information packs, participating in workshops and conferences, and so on.

Q. What if I don't want to get very involved?
A. You don't have to! Many members prefer to keep a low profile - but they want to keep up to date with the issues. There is never any expectation or pressure on any Mind Link member to get involved.

Q. What do I get out of it?
A. On joining you will receive a 'welcome pack' containing information about Mind and Mind Link, membership contacts, a quarterly Mind Link information pack, invitations to go on the media list and much more. As time goes by, you will get regular mailings to keep you up to date with Mind's campaigns and asking for your opinion on a range of policy issues. Your experience, skills and expertise are valuable and valued.

Q. OK! I'm convinced! How do I join?
A. Please contact:

Mind Link
Mind (NAMH)
Freepost WD 2336
Granta House
15-19 Broadway
Stratford
London
E15 4BR

Phone number: 020 8215 2207
Email: mindlink@mind.org.uk