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October 20, 2026

Sharing voices and the lived experience of schizophrenia

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The impact of schizophrenia on both the person with the illness and their family is explored through the personal experiences of Meg Heggen in her latest book Sharing Voices. Meg’s 43 year old son has been ‘burdened by schizophrenia/schizo-affective disorder and major depression’, she says.

As a self-publising local author Ms Heggen has written numerous books including Geoffrey Hannah: Never a less Likely Bloke, a memoir of the master cratftsman responsible for the exquisite Hannah Cabinet now on display in the Lismore Art Gallery.

‘My latest book Sharing Voices: The Lived Experience of Schizophrenia however, is my most personal, and considerably precious, literary work; following, as it does, the life of my elder son and how his illness -– schizophrenia – impacts greatly on his life and the lives of family members,’ she said.

‘As the title may suggest his words feature throughout the book as we share the telling of the experience of such an extraordinary illness on our day-to-day lives.’

Sharing Voices is being launched in Lismore on Thursday 21 March (6pm) at the Lismore Library Meeting Room (ground floor) where you will also have the opportunity to engage with author Meg Heggen.



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