FAQs on local groups

1. How do I actually go about starting up a local ISPS group?

There are two main ways; you can either find other like-minded people and get together to think about what you might like to get out of forming a local group, or you may already be part of an existing group of people who meet from time to time (e.g. to discuss research or clinical material) and you may wish to give the ISPS name to that group - there is no need to “reinvent the wheel” where such a group already exists.

2. What are the requirements for being a local group of ISPS?

The primary aim of the network / group must be the promotion / development of psychological therapies for persons vulnerable to psychotic disorders.
The local group must pay fees to the main ISPS (see point 4 below).
The fees to ISPS are kept to the absolute minimum to allow for a maximum growth potential of local groups.
The local group must keep a reliable, up to date membership list and send regular updates to ISPS.
The constitution of the ISPS must be accepted.

3. What do ISPS local groups do?

Some hold regular conferences, others hold smaller meetings and workshops. If a local group would like to host a conference, to generate money for its ISPS activities, we can help you to find good speakers and to publicise the event. Some local groups have active e-mail discussion groups, such as those in the UK and US local groups, and they may produce their own local ISPS newsletter which their members receive in addition to the ISPS newsletter. All ISPS local groups are entitled to a free webpage within the ISPS site (which may edited by the local group or by the ISPS Organiser).

Please read the ISPS constitution to learn more about what ISPS is trying to achieve.

4. Is there a minimum fee that the local group should charge its members?

No, but it is in your interest to start charging your members a fee fairly soon, as you will need to start paying network fees to ISPS as soon as the local group has been established. Network fees are due each 1st May and the charge is $26 (US dollars) per member. This amount includes the $14.50 it costs ISPS per member for their individual copy of the ISPS journal, as well as a contribution towards the other services provided to local groups by ISPS such as the website, ISPS Newsletter and the work of the ISPS organiser for local groups. Groups in under-developed countries only pay ISPS $15 per member (at this moment in time the only local group this applies to is India).

5. Must the group be only for professionals?

No, you may also offer membership of the local group to service users, family members or other carers and other interested persons. The ISPS UK local group for example has a number of service users and carers within their membership, and regularly offers reduced fees at ISPS UK conferences, to enable their participation.

6. Does a local ISPS group have to cover a whole country?

No. If your country is very large it may not make sense to have one ISPS local group, but may be better to start with a local network in your geographical area or city, and other groups may develop elsewhere in your country with time.