We are a network of people in the UK promoting the development of drug-free and minimum medication therapeutic environments for people experiencing ‘psychosis’ or extreme states. We are part of an international movement of service users, survivors, activists, carers and professionals fighting for more humane, non-coercive mental health services.

People who hear voices, have visions or experience reality in different ways to those around them — and become overwhelmed by their experiences — are often referred to as experiencing ‘psychosis’. We believe that people can and do recover from difficulties which tend to be categorised under the term psychosis. This recovery can be with, without and sometimes despite psychiatric intervention.

Conventional psychiatry tends to regard ‘psychosis’ as part of a serious mental illness such as ‘schizophrenia’, ‘bi-polar disorder’ or ‘psychotic depression’. We recognise that ‘psychosis’ can be extremely distressing to the person experiencing it and to those around them. However, we do not necessarily see psychosis as a bio-medical condition that requires set medical interventions. Rather, we see it as an acute personal crisis, marked by a range of extra-ordinary experiences, which may result from a number of factors, including trauma, psychological, neurophysiological, existential, spiritual, social and environmental. Fundamentally though, we believe that there is meaning in the experience.

Like many other organisations in Europe and America, we draw inspiration from the practices of Soteria House and the work of Loren Mosher and his colleagues. We continue to look for opportunities to develop and enrich this work, whilst holding to the broader principles of Soteria. For more information on the work and philosophy of the Soteria Network please read our booklet.

Though the Soteria Network is actively engaged in promoting progressive approaches to people experiencing extreme states, distress, ‘breakdown’ or ‘psychosis’, we do not currently offer any services directly to people in distress at present. However, we do aim to respond to all enquiries as quickly as possible.

Paula Quick

Paula Quick

Trustee

I have been trustee for Soteria Network UK since 2007. My increasing concern on the over reliance of drug therapy in psychiatry and the lack of any real alternatives led me to seek an organisation such as Soteria.

My professional background is in General Nursing which I began in 1972. During my nursing career I was to observe some practices in psychiatry that I found unacceptable this led me to seek ways of effecting change. Whilst working as co-ordinator at a Community project in Sheffield called ‘McMurphys’ a user led day service for under 40’s. I became involved with ‘Asylum’ an anti -psychiatry mag (edited by Prof Alec Jenner Psychiatrist) and was on the editorial panel for a while.

I worked at Sheffield Citizen Advocacy as Mental Health co-ordinator for 10 years providing independent advocacy support for 100’s of people during hospital admissions and in the community. It was a massive awakening as to the enormous injustice and abuse that people can face simply because they have a psychiatric diagnosis.

I helped set up a Community project 5 years ago when funds were cut to essential services. We provide support and workshops to people with a mental health and learning difficulty and senior citizens.

I have studied Ayurvedic medicine for the past 5 years. I enjoy singing, vreating art using natural resources, walking and Gardening.

Jen Kilyon

Jen Kilyon

Trustee

Jen Kilyon became a campaigner for more compassionate and family friendly approaches to psychosis many years ago when her son first became entangled in the mental health system.

She is a trustee of ISPS UK and the Soteria Network and helped set up the first UK Soteria House.

She has been promoting Open Dialogue since she first learnt about it in 2005.

She is the co-editor of A Straight Talking Introduction to Caring For Someone With Mental Health Problems (PCCS Books).