Do you hear voices, or see or perceive things that others do not?
Would you like to support others in your community who share this experience?
We are looking for people with a lived experience of hearing voices or sounds, seeing visions or perceiving things others do not, to lead new Hearing Voices support groups in Murrumbidgee.
What are Hearing Voices Groups?
Hearing Voices Groups provide a safe and non-judgemental space where individuals who hear voices, see visions, or experience other unusual perceptions can come together in mutual support.
These groups aim to bring people with shared experiences together, fostering a strong sense of belonging and reducing the isolation that many may feel.
By connecting with others who understand what they’re going through, participants are given the opportunity to share their stories, learn from one another, and develop coping strategies in a supportive environment.
Hearing Voices Groups follow the ideas of the Hearing Voices Movement, which respects all kinds of beliefs about why people hear voices. The approach is based on understanding how past trauma can affect people and focuses on support and recovery.
Ultimately, these groups offer a vital community where people feel accepted, understood, and empowered.
Groups run once per fortnight for 90 minutes.
They are open groups, which welcome anyone in the community who is aged 16 or over and self-identifies as hearing, seeing or perceiving things which others do not.
You do not need a formal diagnosis, referral or connection with a mental health service to participate in the group.
Groups have no minimum attendance requirement - people can attend whenever they choose.
One Carer, Support Worker, family member or friend can attend alongside a participant if they choose.
Hearing Voices Groups are led by at least one person with a lived experience of hearing, seeing or perceiving.
Lived Experience Facilitators are there to make sure that:
- The group is safe, welcoming and inclusive for all attendees.
- The principles and values of the group align with the Hearing Voices Movement.
- Groups keep their peer-led and non-clinical approach.
- New members are welcomed and any challenges with the group are addressed and resolved in a safe and respectful way.
- Any concerns about the wellbeing of group participants are escalated to support staff or other services when needed.
- Discussions are safe, supportive and allow all attendees to take part in the way they choose.
- Long-term, active attendees of groups are offered mentoring and support to step into a role as Facilitator if they choose.
Lived Experience Facilitators are supported by a Peer Worker with lived experience of mental health concerns.
About this project
In August 2022, a Hearing Voices Group was created in Wagga Wagga with support and training from the Melissa Roberts Foundation. It is delivered by Murrumbidgee Local Health District, Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs services, though attendance is open to anyone in the community.
Now, thanks to funding from the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN), we are creating Hearing Voices Groups in three more locations across the Murrumbidgee region.
From January 2026, new groups will run in Griffith, Deniliquin and Tumut.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for seven people from across the Murrumbidgee region who are interested in learning about the Hearing Voices Groups approach and feel they can support others in their community with shared experiences.
Lived Experience Group Facilitators must:
- Have an understanding of their own lived experiences of hearing, seeing or perceiving,
- Have developed coping strategies that they can draw on to assist others
- Live in Wagga, Griffith, Deniliquin or Tumut,
- Be available to attend training in Wagga on Friday 5th December from 9:30am – 4pm (we will pay for your travel and time attending),
- Be able to co-lead a group at a regular time each fortnight from January – June 2026.
You will be given training and support to help you co-lead a safe and inclusive group for others. You will be paid for your time attending training and co-leading groups.
You will need to provide a cleared National Police Check or give your consent for a check to be conducted on your behalf.
This is a confidential process and requests for checks are processed and received by an independent person outside of the team leading this project.
The details of your National Police Check will not be shared with anyone.
What if I have a criminal record?
Having a criminal record does not mean that you can’t take part in this project. If your National Police Check shows that a record exists, our risk assessment process will check if you are able to participate and if any adjustments need to be made.
The risk assessment process is confidential and is completed by an independent person who is not part of running the Hearing Voices Groups program.
If you have any questions or would like to have a confidential chat about your personal situation, please contact us.
Training is being provided by the Melissa Roberts Foundation in Wagga Wagga on Friday 5th December from 9:30am – 4pm.
Lived Experience Facilitators must be available to attend this training in person before beginning to co-lead any groups through this project.
You will be paid for your time travelling and attending the training, including overnight accommodation if this is required. You may travel with a support person if you wish. They will not be paid for their time but will also be provided with accommodation if needed.
How to Apply
If you are interested in leading a group in your area, please complete the Expression of Interest form via the link below and we will get in touch with you to discuss your experience and interest.
If you would like to answer these questions in a different way, or talk about your interest in being a co-facilitator, please contact us on mlhd-hearing-voices-groups@health.nsw.gov.au
Applications close on Wednesday 26th November 2025.
Acknowledgement of Country
The Murrumbidgee MHDA Alliance acknowledges and pays respects to the traditional owners of the lands on which our member organisations operate; the Wiradjuri, Nari Nari, Wemba Wemba, Perepa Perepa, Yorta Yorta, Ngunnawal, Ngarigo, Bangerang and Yitha Yitha Nations.
We recognise our communities are made up of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples descended from additional mobs and clans who also call the Murrumbidgee region home.
We pay respect to elders past, present and future and recognise these lands have always been places of traditional healing and medicine, and this plays a role in shaping future health services
Contact Us
Have questions or want to learn more about the Alliance, please get in touch:
| mmhdaa@gph.org.au |
Acknowledgement of Lived Experience
We acknowledge the profound contributions of individuals with lived and living experiences of mental health challenges, substance use, and suicide, as well as those who care for and support them. Each person’s journey is unique and adds invaluable insight into how we can collectively improve and reform mental health and suicide prevention systems.
We also remember those we have lost too soon, and recognise the lasting impact their absence leaves on their families, carers, and communities. Their stories, strength, and resilience guide us to confront stigma and ensure our efforts are informed by compassion, respect, and lived experience.
