On Tuesday, March 31 2009 at 6 PM the hour-long BBC documentary video “Hearing Voices” will be screened at the Multnomah County Central Library in Portland, at 801 S.W. 10th Avenue.

The 1995 documentary interviews a number of voice hearers and presents many different points of view on this little-understood phenomenon. The video will be followed by a community discussion.

Tuesday, March 31 2009 6:00 – 7:45 PM
Multnomah County Central Library – public meeting room
801 S.W. 10th Avenue @ Yamhill

A small percentage of people hear voices no one else hears and have other unusual sensory experiences. Sometimes these voices and sensations can be painful and terrifying, but sometimes they are creative and even spiritual. Throughout history the mysterious meaning of hearing voices has defied any final explanation.

What is it like to hear voices and have unusual sensory experiences? How do people learn to live with their voices? Are voices always part of pathology and disorder, or are they related to sensitivity and creativity or have other meaning? How are Hearing Voices Groups in England and Europe providing ways for voice-hearers to gain greater control of their lives?

This event is sponsored by Portland Hearing Voices, a new community learning partnership dedicated to education around hearing voices, unusual sensory experiences, and mental diversity. The discussion will be led by Will Hall, a voice hearer diagnosed with schizophrenia and the program director of Portland Hearing Voices.

This event is free and open to the public, on public transit, and wheelchair accessible. Because of chemical sensitivities, please do not wear scented body products.

For information, contact Jess Jinkies, Outreach Director for Portland Hearing Voices
portlandhearingvoices@gmail.com or at 413-210-2803