Welcome to the website of the VOCAL Network. The VOCAL Network is a network of *Consumers, by Consumers, for Consumers.

In the coming weeks and months the VOCAL Network website will be growing and expanding as more and more Consumers throughout Virginia join together to add their voices, opinions and ideas to these pages.

The network is connection and communication among individuals and groups. The term "Consumer" refers to a person who has experienced serious mental illness. The Network is developed, guided, and staffed by Consumers. The purpose of the VOCAL Network is to increase individual well being and allow support and information to be exchanged, and to work with other pro-Consumer organizations to protect rights, improve services and counter discrimination.

The VOCAL Network works through the web, email, quarterly newsletters, telephone, outreach visits and state-wide meetings.

 

The VOCAL Network continues the tradition of the mental health Consumer movement in Virginia. VOCAL members esteem the worth and dignity of each individual, the right to self-determination, and the important contributions of peer support and self-help.

Virginia Consumers, after struggling with under-funded mental health services, not necessarily aimed at recovery, are now offered the opportunity to make changes in keeping with Consumer philosophy. Virginia's Department of Mental Health Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services is providing financial support for the development of this network. A number of states already have thriving Consumer Networks. The federal government's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) awarded grants in 2004 to Virginia and 18 other states, for the purpose of developing state-wide networks. We have the opportunity to change the system by communicating with each other, and speaking with one voice about the needs of people in recovery from mental illness.