SANE has been awarded $27.3million over three years for the national roll out of free, digital psychosocial recovery programs for adults experiencing complex mental illness and trauma, as well as for their family, carers and kin. 

These funds will support delivery of:

• Guided Recovery, a 14-week program of 1:1 recovery-focussed counselling or peer support  

• Semi-guided Recovery Club including online group session, tailored recovery resources and peer support.  

• Self-guided Recovery Communities where people can connect with peers within a safe, moderated environment. 

According to SANE CEO Rachel Green, this investment is the first of its kind globally and an enormous step forward when it comes to the accessibility of mental health services for those living with long term or severe mental health conditions.  

“There’s around 5 million Australians living with complex mental health needs and at least 500,000 missing out on support services that could dramatically change the trajectory of their life. 

The need to find new ways of supporting this community has never been greater, and there’s strong evidence that digital mental health support services are just as effective as face-to-face services, more economical and rapidly scalable to overcome geographic or workforce challenges. 

Using a small Government pilot grant, SANE pioneered digital and telehealth services for those with complex needs by co-designing a guided recovery program with the lived experience community in 2021. 

Our services have now grown to encompass a stepped digital support offering, proven by independent evaluation to reduce symptom domination, improve quality of life, and importantly, empower individuals to have the knowledge, skills and confidence to build their own recovery journey. 

People with complex mental health issues, and their families and carers, have always faced significant geographic, socio-economic and stigma-based barriers to recovery, impacting their ability to live the same meaningful and productive life as everybody else.  

This historic investment in making our free services available nationally is testament to the willingness of this Government to explore new mental health support pathways and actively reverse the inequality in service access that this community has experienced for so long.” 

SANE’s free support services are delivered by specialist mental health workers and accessible via any internet-enabled device. SANE is also providing free telephone support for those without internet access. All SANE services are accredited by the National Safety and Quality in Digital Mental Health Standards.  

Go to www.sane.org/get-support to check current availability and to learn more.  

The resignation of public sector psychiatrists in NSW is a serious threat to the state's mental health system, with devastating consequences for those with mental illness. This mass departure highlights the fragile state of our mental health infrastructure and the urgent need for comprehensive reform.

Timely access to psychiatry services is critical for both adults and children with serious or complex mental health needs. Public psychiatrists play a vital role in diagnosing and treating individuals who present to hospitals with mental ill health, as well as providing ongoing clinical support for those requiring long-term medical intervention.

Delaying or restricting access to these services can worsen symptoms and result in significant negative impacts, including an increased risk of suicide. People with severe or lifelong illnesses such as major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, or personality disorders are particularly reliant on specialist psychiatric care.

This current situation will have severe consequences for all NSW residents but particularly those living with mental illness, as well as for their carers, families, and communities. Access to psychiatry has been a major community concern for many years, with long waiting lists and escalating costs in the private sector driving people into already stretched public services.

It will also worsen the already critical shortage of mental health professionals in NSW, leading to longer waiting times, reduced access to services, and a decline in care quality and continuity. Vulnerable groups, including those with severe mental illnesses, disabilities, and disadvantage, will be the most affected.

Sadly, what we are seeing is not surprising but an entirely predictable reflection of the fragile state of our mental health system. It highlights the broader issue of inadequate investment in mental health services and the urgent need for comprehensive reform.

Lagging government investment and attention also reflect the ongoing stigma and discrimination experienced by people with mental illness, suggesting that mental health is not given the same priority as physical health.

We urge the NSW government to act swiftly to increase investment, expand access to diverse mental health service options, and implement systemic reforms to ensure quality care for all individuals.

While this is a difficult time, it’s also an opportunity to engage with a range of stakeholders and critically assess the status quo. NSW Health needs to look at how service options can be diversified to ensure a range of targeted and scalable options are available when and where people need them.

This may include proven options such as digital mental health services, telepsychiatry, improved integration of mental health care into primary health settings, and expanding access to a more diverse workforce, including mental health nurses, counsellors, and peer support workers.

SANE has offered their support to the NSW Government and will continue to represent the complex mental health community while this issue is being resolved.

SANE is delighted to announce the appointment of Tania Brown to the SANE board. 

Tania brings over 30 years of experience in Aboriginal Affairs, including two decades in the ACCHO sector. She has driven systemic changes and advanced the social and cultural determinants of health including serving on the First Nations Health Transition Advisory Group and contributing to the Royal Australasian College of Physicians’ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Committee and WHO initiatives. 

We are thrilled to have Tania’s considerable expertise to guide us as we build partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander controlled organisations and champion innovative service delivery models for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

As we welcome Tania, we are sadly farewelling Ewan Barron. 

Since joining the SANE Board in 2017, Ewan has brought invaluable expertise in governance and financial management. 

Ewan has served as Treasurer and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, playing a crucial role in maintaining SANE's financial health and operational integrity, especially throughout the COVID pandemic. His leadership has been pivotal in developing and implementing robust risk management strategies, ensuring compliance, and guiding our digital transformation. 

We are deeply grateful for Ewan's contributions and thank him for the positive impact he has made on SANE over the past seven years.  

Learn more about the SANE Board at https://www.sane.org/about-sane/board-members-and-patrons. 

"The forums have given me hope when I felt there was none. The stories and support from others have shown me that recovery is possible." 

SANE Recovery Community Forums were launched in 2014 with a simple mission - To provide a safe space for people affected by mental health issues to connect and support each other.  

What began as a small but passionate online community has blossomed into a thriving digital safe space where people from all walks of life come together to share experiences and support each other through their own recovery journeys.  

Today, the SANE Recovery Community includes tens of thousands of members and a diverse range of discussion threads covering everything from coping with a new diagnosis to navigating relationships and employment.  

It’s welcomed millions of visitors from across Australia, some who drop in and out to seek answers and others who stay longer to build relationships. No matter how they are used, the forum platform empowers people to champion their own recovery journey whilst giving back to their peers.  

It’s also expanded to include tailored spaces to ensure connection and support is accessible to those with unique considerations and needs such as the ‘Life After Bushfires’ site.   

So why has the SANE Recovery Community Forums been so successful? Because it doesn’t matter who you are or where you live, connection and understanding is essential to mental health. 

The power of online peer forums 

"Being part of SANE Forums has empowered me to take control of my mental health. The advice and encouragement from others have been invaluable." 

Online discussion forums offer a range of benefits that make them a critical resource for those seeking mental health support. Members connect with others who understand their experiences, share ways of coping, offer emotional support, and reduce feelings of isolation. 

One of the most significant benefits is the ability to connect with others without the barriers of geography or stigma. For many, the anonymity provided by online forums is crucial. It allows individuals to share their thoughts and feelings openly, without fear of judgment or repercussions. 

They also offer a level of accessibility that traditional support groups cannot. People can log in at any time and from any location, making it easier to find support when it's needed most. This availability is particularly beneficial for those who experience insomnia or who live in remote areas where in-person support is limited. 

SANE Forums are safeguarded around the clock by trained moderators who ensure the environment remains supportive and respectful, providing guidance and resources when necessary.  

The Forums partner with other mental health organisations across Australia, extending reach and providing users with access to a broader range of expertise, information, and resources. 

Building a supportive community 

"It's incredible how much support and understanding I've found here. The community has been a lifeline during my darkest times." 

This milestone is not just a testament to the platform's success, but also to the Forum community who have been instrumental in building a safe haven for those seeking understanding and companionship. 

The heart of SANE Forums lies in its Members and Community Builders. Despite not knowing what each other looks like, where they live, or even their real names, these people foster a warm and honest environment where people feel like they belong.

The true measure of SANE Forums' success can be found in the personal stories of these members.

Some see it as a place to find ideas for practical recovery strategies for themselves or for someone they love and care for. Other see it as a source of emotional support and understanding that they can’t find elsewhere. Many have shared how the support of the Forum community gave them the strength to keep going. These stories remind us that while professional help is essential, the power of social connection and peer support can never be underestimated. 

SANE Community Builders and Guides also play an important role in maintaining the safety and integrity of the Forums. In addition to being a friendly and supportive presence across the different discussion threads, they share their own lived experience and host group events which take a deeper dive into important recovery topics such as family relationships, sleep, education, and self-advocacy.  

Looking ahead 

"The forums have given me the strength to face my challenges head-on. Knowing I'm not alone has made all the difference." 

While it’s nice to reflect on the success of the past, it’s important to recognise there’s still a significant unmet need for psychosocial support in Australia. SANE is evolving the Forums to assist with meeting this growing demand, connecting it in with other services to provide access to scalable and personalised support when and where it’s needed. 

SANE recently undertook an extensive co-design project with forum users and non-users to explore and enhance the user experience.  

The feedback from this co-design activity has been instrumental in shaping upcoming enhancements to the space including the development of tailored spaces and improved activities. The improvements will also include behind-the-scenes updates to enhance the performance of the forums. 

As we celebrate this milestone, we also look to the future with hope and optimism. The past ten years have shown us the incredible potential of online communities to bring people together and provide much-needed support. As SANE Forums continues to grow and evolve, we remain committed to fostering a space where everyone can feel heard, valued, and supported. 

Here's to another decade of connection, support, and community. Happy anniversary, SANE Forums! 

Help us celebrate this significant milestone! We’re inviting the SANE community to reflect on their most meaningful moments from the past decade in a special anniversary discussion thread. Join the conversation here.  

WellMob and SANE are excited to announce a new collaboration to provide culturally safe online wellbeing spaces. The partnership will initially look at the design of culturally governed and safe online Yarning Spaces for First Nations health workers.

The WellMob website links to over 500 online health and wellbeing resources that can be used by First Nations community members and workers. These include apps, videos, podcasts, printables and other websites on a range of wellbeing issues beyond the usual mental health topics. These include resources that are strengths-based and culturally embedded, including topics such as cultural identity, parenting, anxiety, strong minds, alcohol and other drugs amongst many others.

The first phase of this partnership will focus on designing and delivering a new online 'Yarning Space.' This platform will enhance support, foster connection, and promote self-care for the rapidly growing Social & Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) workforce. Many of these frontline workers are employed in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health and medical services throughout the country.

In addition, WellMob will join as a founding member of a new SANE Indigenous Governance Group, collaborating with Thirrili, 13YARN and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and peak leadership bodies to guide the creation of Indigenous-specific spaces on SANE’s digital service platform.

Nathan Deaves, SANE’s Manager for Social & Emotional Wellbeing Strategy and Partnerships, emphasised that this partnership acknowledges the expertise of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in determining what works best for their own wellbeing.

“This partnership recognizes the increasing need for safe digital spaces, particularly in light of the ongoing impacts of the recent Referendum on the wellbeing of the Indigenous community,” Deaves said. “SANE’s established digital mental health platform will enable us to develop culturally tailored and governed programs to meet this demand.”

By leveraging SANE’s infrastructure alongside WellMob’s extensive resources and understanding of the digital SEWB space, the collaboration will help create more inclusive and accessible support systems for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

“This partnership will also help guide broader SANE programs, allowing us to integrate the SEWB framework into existing services and contribute to Closing the Gap objectives and reforms,” Deaves continued. “We’re thrilled to work with WellMob to support the delivery of programs tailored to local needs.”

David Edwards, Director of WellMob, added “working with online mental health providers is important given the digital space provides an anonymous and 24-7 accessible space for our First Nations peoples to get support. It’s important that these online spaces are culturally safe and responsive and embed a strengths-based and holistic framework to wellbeing that is provided by the SEWB model.”

The WellMob website has a Training Resources portal that was created to make it easier for the non-Indigenous and First Nations health and wellbeing workforce to better respond to their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander client needs. The website is part of the national e-Mental Health in Practice project that is funded by the Commonwealth Government to upskill practitioners and peer workforce to integrate digital tools into practices.

“The training resources webpage on WellMob has nearly 200 online resources for the professional development and self-care of our diverse wellbeing workforce. The new Yarning Space we are co-developing with SANE will provide a forum to share these tools and other knowledge to improve outcomes for First Nations peoples accessing mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and other health services.”

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People can access the Yarning Space by visiting https://saneforums.org/ and request to sign up. The Yarning Space is in the design phase, we welcome people to sign up, test the usability, engage in discussions, and provide feedback. SANE and our partners are aiming to launch this space in early 2025.

About Wellmob

WellMob (www.wellmob.org.au ) is a national digital resource hub for frontline health and wellbeing workers, offering online SEWB resources specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The WellMob Project is managed by e-Mental Health in Practice at the University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney, with funding from the Queensland University of Technology.

About SANE

SANE is a leader in digital mental health, providing innovative and effective support services nationally for adults living with complex mental health needs, and the family and friends that care for them. Led by the voices of the Lived Experience community, SANE is working to bridge gaps in support, reduce burden on the health and disability systems, and most importantly, improve health outcomes and quality of life. Find out more at www.sane.org

SANE is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people, including First Nations children, children with disabilities, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and children that are gender diverse.  

SANE has zero tolerance for child abuse, harm and neglect. SANE takes all allegations and safety concerns related to children and young people seriously and recognises the importance of developing and implementing systems which protect children and young people from risk of harm, and foster a culture of safeguarding.  

SANE believes child safety and wellbeing is everyone’s responsibility, including SANE’s Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, contractors and partners. 

SANE took digital mental health to Parliament House on World Mental Health Day showcasing how SANE is making space for complex mental health and creating hope, support and recovery through digital innovation. 

We were joined by the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, the Hon Emma McBride MP, and our Patron-In-Chief, Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO, and parliamentarians and changemakers from across government and the health sector.

Attendees heard from the Assistant Minister McBride, CEO Rachel Green and Lived Experience advocates Luke Marshall and Jodi Gordon.

In Australia, millions of people face stigma, isolation, and barriers to accessing support — whether due to financial challenges, remote locations, long waitlists, or the complexity of their needs. At SANE, we believe in change. We're committed to providing accessible, ongoing, complementary supports for people impacted by complex mental health issues, and the family, friends and carers who support them. 

Lived experience is at the core of everything we do. Over the past decade, hundreds of thousands of people have turned to our online peer support community, finding advice, connection, and belonging through shared experiences. Many of our members go on to give back—whether by befriending others, volunteering, co-designing programs, or advocating for change. 

Over two years ago, we launched Australia’s first digital psychosocial program, offering high-level support like mental health recovery planning, counselling, and peer support activities. The outcomes have been remarkable, showing statistically significant improvements in quality of life, mental health recovery, and distress reduction — all thanks to the power of lived experience combined with digital innovation. 

More recently, we launched RecoveryClub, a medium-level support program that lets people navigate their recovery journey at their own pace, offering recovery resources and peer support activities. 

We've come a long way, and there’s much to celebrate this Mental Health Awareness Month. But our work is far from over. We remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating for more resources and breaking new ground in mental health care.  

Together with our community, we’re proving that digital mental health care can make a meaningful difference to those who need it most. 

Click here to learn more about SANE support services.

Those who live in Queensland may have seen the media coverage regarding the tragic suicide deaths of a number of people who were inpatients of the Prince Charles Hospital Mental Health Unit. The results from a formal review into these deaths was recently released.

Unsurprisingly, the review found significant deficits in both the care people were receiving and the environment they were living in. Those seeking medical assistance for their mental health are being treated completely differently than those seeking care for physical health conditions.

At SANE we’re hear similar stories from families across the country on a weekly basis who have struggled to get appropriate support or have lost a loved one to suicide. It is simply not good enough.

If we really want to improve outcomes for people requiring hospitalisation for their mental health, we need to go beyond rebuilding the same clinical models and facilities and provide a wider range of therapeutic options that recognises the diverse needs of those experiencing complex mental health issues, trauma and suicidal crisis.

Best practice inpatient mental health care should include support for prevention, treatment, crisis and follow up care as well as recovery support. Services should be integrated and focus on helping people learn how to manage their condition and recover to live a meaningful life.

Implementing this is not difficult, nor is it expensive. There are a multitude of peer-based, digital programs already in existence that can be introduced quickly, complement existing clinical care and be scaled up or down to meet changes in demand. SANE’s range of evidence-based programs are just one example of this.

Another critical finding of the review was the urgent need to engage with the lived experience community to ensure any reconfiguration of clinical models wasn’t done without consulting those who use them.

We’re currently seeking to engage with the QLD Government and health services to offer SANE programs and the lived experience expertise of our community to support more comprehensive care and better outcomes.

Key messages

• ADHD involves a range of challenges with attention, planning, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
• People living with ADHD can benefit from support such as connecting with peers, lifestyle changes and routine building, therapeutic support, and medication.
• It is possible to live a full and meaningful life even if a person has experienced ADHD.

• What is attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD)?

  ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition which affects both children and adults. ADHD is a form of neurodivergence, meaning that people living with ADHD think, learn, experience, and interact with the world around them in a different way to other people.

  More and more people are recognising ADHD and how it impacts on people through the lifespan. It involves different combinations of challenges with attention, planning, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. ADHD can also involve many strengths: for example, many people living with ADHD are creative, think outside the box, and are able to focus on certain tasks for long periods of time.

• Symptoms of ADHD

  To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must experience either difficulties with attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, or both. These symptoms must first be present before the age of 12 years, occur in multiple settings, and impact on day-to-day life ⁽¹⁾.

  Attention problems

   This can include difficulties with:

  • Paying attention for long periods of time to tasks that require mental effort
  • Becoming easily distracted
  • Detail in schoolwork, work, or other activities
  • Organisation, planning, and time management
  • Forgetfulness

  Hyperactivity and impulsivity

  This can include difficulties with:

  • Fidgeting, squirming, or restlessness
  • Playing or taking part in leisure activities quietly
  • Interrupting or intruding on others
  • Talking excessively
  • Waiting their turn.

  Many people living with ADHD also experience other neurodevelopmental or mental health conditions. These may co-occur because of similar genetic factors or experiences associated with both conditions, or overlap in symptoms. They can also co-occur because the impact of living with ADHD can increase the likelihood of developing other conditions.

  Common co-occurring conditions include ^(2,3):

  • Depression
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Substance use problems
  • Autism

• What causes ADHD?

  People living with ADHD have different brain chemistry which affects certain areas of the brain. This results in challenges relating to something called executive functioning: a set of mental processes involving planning, organising, regulating attention, memory, managing impulses, and decision-making ⁽⁴⁾.

  There is no single cause of ADHD. It’s known to run in families and there is a strong genetic basis. Environmental factors, including stressful life experiences, can increase the likelihood of someone developing ADHD ⁽⁵⁾.

• How common is ADHD?

  It’s estimated that around 8% of Australian children experience ADHD ⁽⁶⁾.

  Many children continue to experience ADHD into adulthood. It’s estimated that between 2-5% of adults experience ADHD ⁽⁷⁾. More and more people are becoming aware of ADHD, including adults seeking assessment and diagnosis for the first time.

  ADHD is diagnosed more often in boys and men, compared to girls and women. Signs of ADHD are not always recognised in girls. Boys tend to display more hyperactive symptoms which are often easier for adults recognise ⁽⁸⁾.

• Managing symptoms of ADHD

  Over time, people living with ADHD may find the following activities and strategies helpful to achieve their goals, help with day-to-day life, and prevent burnout ⁽⁹⁾:

  • Trialling different organisation and time management strategies that might help – for example, using calendar and to-do list/reminder apps, visual reminders like whiteboards or sticky notes, or breaking down tasks into small goals.
  • Building routines.
  • Engaging in creative and stimulating activities.
  • Developing routines to help look after physical health by getting a balanced diet, regular exercise, and enough sleep.

  Connecting with others with similar experiences, such as through peer support.

• Support for ADHD

  Professional information and support is available to help people who have ADHD. It’s a good idea to first speak with a GP about any concerns, who can refer onwards for specialist support. Both psychologists and psychiatrists can assess and diagnose ADHD in children and adults.

  ADHD is often a long-term condition. People can benefit from getting support to help them understand ADHD, manage its symptoms through various strategies, and work towards their individual goals. An important goal can be working towards self-acceptance, rather than trying to fit in with others’ expectations.

  Support options include counselling or psychological support such as cognitive behavioural therapy, coaching, and peer support. Medications are available as an option to help manage ADHD symptoms ⁽⁹⁾.

• Resources and support

  • Australian ADHD Guidelines
  • ADHD Australia
  • How to ADHD (YouTube channel)
  • ADHD Language Guide

• References

  1. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5). In: 5th ed. American Psychiatric Association; 2013.
  2. Leitner Y. The co-occurrence of autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children–what do we know? Front Hum Neurosci. 2014;8:268.
  3. Katzman MA, Bilkey TS, Chokka PR, Fallu A, Klassen LJ. Adult ADHD and comorbid disorders: clinical implications of a dimensional approach. BMC Psychiatry. 2017;17(1):1–15.
  4. ADHD Support Australia. What is ADHD? [Internet]. [cited 2022 Oct 25]. Available from: https://www.adhdsupportaustralia.com.au/what-is-adhd/
  5. Faraone S v, Larsson H. Genetics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Mol Psychiatry. 2019;24(4):562–75.
  6. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Australia’s children [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2022 Oct 25]. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/children-youth/australias-children/contents/health/children-mental-illness
  7. Deloitte Access Economics. The social and economic costs of ADHD in Australia. 2019.
  8. Rucklidge JJ. Gender differences in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Psychiatric Clinics. 2010;33(2):357–73.
  9. Australian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA). Australian evidence-based clinical practice guideline for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2022 Oct 25]. Available from: https://adhdguideline.aadpa.com.au/