SPRED: Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Emotionally Distraught

Year Published:  1982
Resource Type:  Organization
Cx Number:  CX2433

SPRED was supposed to be an organization of families and friends of schizophrenics. However, soon after its first meeting in Niagara Falls, Ontario, two years ago, it became clear that ex-psychiatric patients were taking the opportunity to develop their own organization.

Abstract: 
SPRED was supposed to be an organization of families and friends of schizophrenics. However, soon after its first meeting in Niagara Falls, Ontario, two years ago, it became clear that ex-psychiatric patients were taking the opportunity to develop their own organization. With a core group of 35 to 40 members, SPRED has begun to challenge the traditional approaches to ex-psychiatric patients in the Niagara region and in its parent organization, "Friends of Schizophrenics." SPRED believes that its has had a positive effect on this parent organization. Largely through its efforts, the last Friends of Schizophrenics conference concentrated on "self-help" approaches, rather than on the previous theoretical and scientific studies on mental health.

SPRED has also begun to have its impact in the region. It has already angered some at he Greater Niagara General Hospital by encouraging people to stop using their medication. If possible, some General Hospital worker accused SPRED of advocating a "cold turkey' approach, which SPRED denied.

SPRED members see unemployment as the biggest problem that they face. They are presently encouraging members who have jobs split them with those who do not. They may also, with the help of generous board member, start a natural foods restaurant and a cooperative food store.

Also with the help of their board, they have been given a house to use as an office. The house is large enough to include a drop-in and a five person residence.


This organization no longer exists.