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SANE Support Services
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Free Mental Health Support
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Digital & Telehealth Access
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Choose the supports that work for you
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A community of people who understand
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National Safety & Quality Digital Mental Health Standards Accreditation (NSQDMH)
SANE Support Services
SANE offers a range of free digital and telehealth support services for people over 18 years of age with complex mental health needs, and their family, friends and carers. We also provide mental health support to people with intellectual disability, autism or acquired brain injury.
SANE services are accredited against the National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health Standards (NSQDMH).
Different types and levels of support
We offer different types and levels of support. Choose from counselling, peer support, online groups and events, 24/7 community forums, and online information and resources. SANE services are not designed for acute mental health crises. If you or someone you know is at immediate risk, call 000 or visit your nearest hospital. For support with suicidal thoughts, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
We’re people like you
Lived experience runs through every level of our organisation, and our safe and inclusive services have been designed and informed by people living with complex mental health needs - people like you. You can feel comfortable reaching out to SANE for support.
Ways we can support you
Choose from a range of support services, including counselling, peer support, online groups and events, 24/7 community forums, and online information and resources.
SANE is working on improvements to our Support Line!
Over the next few weeks, we will be undertaking system enhancements, recruiting and training more counsellors and preparing for the relaunch of webchat. During this time, there will be reduced capacity on the Support Line, and we are anticipating longer than expected wait-times for callers to connect with a Counsellor. We appreciate your patience and understanding while we work to improve capacity and accessibility. If you would like to provide feedback about this change, you can do so here.
Online Forums Community
Available 24/7. SANE’s online community forums provide a safe, non-judgmental space to share your experiences, seek advice and surround yourself with support.
Talk to a Mental Health Professional
Available Monday to Friday, 10am - 8pm (AEST/AEDT). SANE’s team of trained staff and volunteers provide free support, information, and resources. Call 1800 187 263. Free Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) available on 131 450.
Ongoing guidance and support
Available Monday to Friday, 10am to 8pm (AEST/AEDT). Work with a dedicated support team to identify your goals and tailor a support plan that's right for you. Choose from a range of supports, incl. multi-session counselling and peer support.
Weekly Online Discussion Groups
Every Thursday at 7pm (AEST/AEDT). Weekly online discussions, guided by SANE peer support workers and supported by counsellors. New topics each week.
Monthly Live Educational Events
Last Tuesday of every month, at 5:30pm (AEST/AEDT). Topic Tuesday is a live Q&A discussion. Each month a different topic is facilitated by a subject matter expert, a community manager or moderator, and supported by a peer support worker.
Information and Resources
Available 24/7. Access information you can trust on complex mental health issues. SANE factsheets and guides are easy to read and can help you understand what’s happening and what strategies can be helpful.
Guidance for supporting someone at risk of suicide
Available 24/7. A resource that provides information and advice about supporting someone who has attempted, or is at risk of attempting, suicide.
Get Creative with SANE
The arts have the power to move, to heal and to help us understand ourselves and each other. SANE Create programs provide an outlet to engage with creative activities.
Peer Guide training and mentoring
Receive guidance and support to develop the skills to use your personal mental health experiences as a peer support worker, building confidence and readiness for employment or further education.
Latest discussions on the forum
If you sometimes struggle to say it out loud, or tell someone in person – try reaching out for support here: it’s anonymous, safe and supportive.
Latest discussions on the forums
Latest Discussions
Carers
For anyone who cares about or for someone living with a mental health issue
Connect with othersLatest Discussions
Stories from the community
SANE community members share their experiences of living with complex mental health issues.
You’re not alone.
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Joshua: challenging stereotypes of masculinity
As a SANE Peer Ambassador, I’m so proud to be part of a national network of nearly 100 people who all share a common goal of reducing stigma and discrimination for those living with complex mental ... -
Cameron: fame, change and isolation
If there’s a central theme to the last five years for Cameron, it’s change. He’s changed perspectives: there was a time when a diagnosis of schizophrenia eighteen years ago meant that his brain wa... -
Tilly: my mental health toolbox
I am not bipolar. I have bipolar disorder. My diagnosis and my identity are linked only in so far as experiencing mental illness has contributed to my personal growth. My perspectives have broaden... -
Kaitlin: finding my voice
The most effective tool I have is my voice. Speaking out when things are troubling should never be ignored or disrespected. All of our experiences are valid and hold powerful emotions that need to ... -
Finn: being my genuine self
Although being transgender isn’t a mental illness, many within our community do experience it. I am a trans man, meaning I was assigned female at birth but my gender is male. I’ve lived with severa... -
Kat: defeating the ‘tortured artist’ stereotype
Suffering is not a sign of creativity, it’s a sign of illness, and no one should have to be ill to be counted an artist. When I was 15, my friend told me I would become depressed later in life bec... -
Tim: owning my identities
Throughout our lives, we will identify with many different groups. We apply many labels to ourselves to help understand who we are and what we do. For example, only recently did I start identifyin...
Other Support Services
SANE services are not designed for crisis support. If you require immediate support, please contact one of the service providers below.
If you need immediate support and can’t reach us, contact the services below. In an emergency contact 000.
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Emergency, police & ambulance (24 Hrs) -
Connect with a lifeline crisis supporter (24hrs) -
Suicide callback service (24 Hrs) -
Kids helpline (24 Hrs) -
13 YARN
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as traditional custodians of the land on which it operates. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and value the rich history, unbroken culture and ongoing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to country.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as traditional custodians of the land on which it operates. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and value the rich history, unbroken culture and ongoing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to country.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.