Women's wing of mental health campaigning group to launch

November 16, 2004
by staff reporter

A women's wing of the mental health campaigning group Mad Pride is to launch later this month.

The group, called Mad Chicks, describes itself as "the girly section" of Mad Pride, mental health's equivalent to Gay Pride.

Mad Chicks, which aims to campaign on issues effecting women psychiatric patients and 'survivors', is backed by, among others, feminist scholar Lynne Segal, professor of psychology & gender studies at the University of London

The group said it will be campaigning on concerns around mixed wards, and childcare provision and sexism in the NHS.

"Mad Chicks gives a voice to those who are not listened to, or have had their voices taken away - a theft perpetuated in the much-hated new mental health bill, which further demonises an already alienated section of society," said Mad Chicks member Melanie Clifford.

"Mad Chicks gives that voice back with a scream. We say listen to the voices you're hearing, don't take these voices away with forced drugs."

Mad Chicks is to mark its launch with a day of events - open to women only - in Highbury, north London on Saturday, November 27. In characteristic Mad Pride style, there will be workshops on "creative subversion" and video screenings by "mad women artists".

Speakers include Segal and representatives from the London Disability Arts Forum.

In the evening there will be rock, dance, stand-up comedy and poetry performances. This event is open to men and women.

Clifford said: "This many mad women together can only change the world… or at least have the best fun in London."

The Mad Chicks

.....

The warmth of 'mad' women

Comment from: Fiona Whelpton, author and home-based (Lenton, Nottingham) consultant with Chipmunka Publishing.
Date: December 9, 2004

"I attended this event to promote my new book entitled The Cycle Path. Having travelled all the way to London from Nottingham I was struck by the warmth and caring, friendly atmosphere from the other women in the group from the
word go.

"As someone who has suffered from a social phobia for years, I normally find it really hard to socialise, but have to say that us "mad " people are a friendly bunch.

" I felt real strength and safety coming from a single sex group like this, and have to comment that there would be more advantages to be on a single sex ward than a mixed one as a result of this experience."

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