ICA Voices of Hope Program

The ICA is thrilled to announce a new, free program, Voices of Hope, led by patients for patients.

Are you interested in participating in the ICA's new Voices of Hope Patient Program?

The Voices of Hope program was developed for people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). It is a virtual peer support program designed to create a safe and structured environment for IC/BPS patients to learn, connect, share experiences, and support one another. IC/BPS patient facilitators will foster small group discussions that allow participants to share challenges, find encouragement, and build lasting relationships.

The ICA is accepting applications of interest through Friday, July 25, 2025.

Voices of Hope Patient Program Details:

  • The program is free and open to anyone diagnosed with IC/BPS who is 18 years of age or older.
  • Our initial offering of the program runs for eight weeks, starting on Sunday, August 17, 2025, and ending on Saturday, October 11, 2025.
  • During each of those eight weeks, you will be asked to:
    • Review some educational material online, which will take you ~1-2 hours, and
    • Attend a live, virtual group meeting (held via Google Meet), scheduled from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. Eastern on Saturday.
      • The Saturday group meetings will be held on the following dates: 8/23, 8/30, 9/6, 9/13, 9/20, 9/27, 10/4, and 10/11.
  • Participants will be asked to commit to attending at least six of the eight live, virtual group meetings.
  • During the live, virtual group meetings, participants will have the opportunity to discuss the materials reviewed that week in both the large group and in small, breakout groups.
  • The educational materials will focus on IC/BPS but will also have a strong emphasis on evidence-based approaches to pain management.
  • A stable Internet connection is required to participate in the program.
  • Spots are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Those who are interested should complete the interest form (click the button at the top or bottom of this page) by Friday, July 25, 2025. Those who have expressed interest will be notified by Friday, August 1, 2025, whether they have been selected for the initial offering or placed on the waitlist for the next offering.
  • Questions can be directed to ICAmail@ichelp.org. Please place "Voices of Hope" in the subject line.