Our Aims and Objectives

The formal objects of the HGF, as set out in its memorandum and articles of association, are as follows:

1. Research

1. Research

“To promote research into the givens of human nature and how the health of persons suffering mental illness of any kind can be improved and to publish the results of such research.”

How?

Particular emphasis will be placed on, but not limited to, understanding what happens when fundamental emotional needs are not met in people and the consequent emotional arousal – anxiety, anger, depression, addictive behaviours and even psychotic behaviour – that leads to a breakdown in normal functioning at home, at work and at school. We will encourage and train individuals in the human givens approach, particularly in the mental health and education fields. Through our already established network of trained teachers and psychotherapists, we will continue to research and publish our findings in the field in journals, within NHS and private hospitals, schools, and continue to give public seminars and workshops covering topical mental health issues and the associated human givens approach to treatment. We will also liaise with research departments in teaching hospitals and universities and with the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) to organise independent assessments of the human givens approach.

2. Alleviation of suffering

2. Alleviation of suffering

“The relief of persons suffering from mental illness by providing, or assisting in the provision of, facilities, equipment and/or services for the care of persons suffering from mental illness of any description; to support projects aimed at improving mental health and/or the treatment of mental illness.”

How?

To build, buy or lease suitable premises for a teaching hospital or hospitals to further our own research. To recruit and train suitable therapists, administrative and other staff for the hospital(s), and to promote the concept that caring for people is best done by working with the human givens.

3. Education

3. Education

“To advance the education of the public in mental health care by the provision of lectures, fora, the publication of newsletters and other means; to support projects aimed at improving children’s education by including the human givens perspective.”

How?

Publish materials, participate in seminars and workshops, sponsor classrooms, increase awareness through the media, specifically the national press and TV/radio, and work with headteachers, initially in private schools centred on disturbed, mentally ill or handicapped children.

Longer term goals

Longer term goals

  • To develop model schools and classrooms to teach children in alignment with the human givens
  • To set up projects that encourage business and public institutions to be more practical, humane and effective by becoming imbued with human givens principles
  • To set up projects to work with addicts and criminals using the human givens approach.

All these prototype ventures will stand as examples of better ways of doing things. They will be monitored for effectiveness alongside conventional approaches. Results of research into efficacy will be published for wider use.

 

Our fundraising promise

“Civilisation means, above all, an unwillingness to inflict unnecessary pain. Within the ambit of that definition, those of us who heedlessly accept the commands of authority cannot yet claim to be civilized men and women...”

– Harold Laski
The Dangers of Obedience

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