User empowerment 3

Mind Link

Mind Link is about communication between mental health service users and National Mind

The primary purpose of Mind Link is to be a consultative body that ensures that users and survivors of mental health services have a direct say in shaping Mind's Policies and Campaigns. Although Mind Link operates primarily within Mind, it is also part of a broader survivor movement and has contact with other survivor organisations and statutory bodies. Mind Link has links with survivors and survivor groups across Europe.

The main functions of Mind Link are:

• to have an input into Mind and it's policies and campaigns through regular consultation and representation
• to act as an information and contact network for Mind Link members
• to put forward suggestions for Mind's future work
• to participate in and, with support from the Mind Link office, to encourage and support training in Wales and the English regions. As a Mind Link member you will be able to participate in shaping Mind's policies and campaigns.

To enable this to happen, you will:

• receive a welcome pack containing information about Mind and Mind Link, the Mind Link Contacts List, the Terms and Reference and the latest Information Pack
• receive regular mailings throughout the year which will keep you informed of the latest situation with regard to Mind's policies and campaigns, and encourage you to have your say
• receive Mind Link Information Packs containing a range of information contributed by Mind Link members and user groups 
• be able to participate in regional and locality Mind Link meetings
• be able to participate in activities at a local and national level

Membership:

Mind Link membership currently stands at about 1600.

Membership is free in recognition of the valuable contribution that members make to Mind.

Anyone with personal experience of the mental health system can join.

Although not essential, membership of National Mind is encouraged. Membership of National Mind is offered at a special low fee to Mind Link members. Names and addresses of members are confidential.

Contacts List:

Members are invited to join the Mind Link Contacts List. The contacts list is for members who are interested in communicating directly with other members and is sent out to all new members when they join. The Contacts List operates via a PO Box system to help preserve privacy.

Information Packs:

There are regular mailings of Mind Link Information Packs which contain information on Mind campaigns and policies, articles, user news, letters, reviews, adverts, etc. Information Packs provide an opportunity for members to become better informed, to share their knowledge, and to help empower themselves and support others.

Today:

The more that psychiatric service users, both past and present, speak out, the more likely we are to eliminate the fear, prejudice and discrimination that mental health users are currently subjected to. If you would like to know more or want to join please write to Mind Link or complete the membership form.

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