SANE Australia
SANE Australia is a non-profit organisation which works to improve the attitudes toward and treatment of people with mental illnesses. SANE's mission is to help all Australians affected by mental illness lead a better life, through support, training, and education.
Support SANE Australia supports people affected by mental illness, their family and friends with a suite of programs including:
Helpline 1800 – National Freecall service providing information, advice, and referral on mental illness Helpline Online – personal email responses to Helpline enquiries via the SANE website Helpline Chat - real–time online chat service. In 2014, SANE launches an online forums service for people affected by mental illness and carers, in partnership with other community-based organisations and supported by the Australian Government, Department of Health.
Education SANE researches and develops resources to inform and educate the community about the impact of mental illness and to promote a fulfilling life for all those affected. The research program includes the SANE Research Bulletin series and other reports based on the views of ordinary Australians affected by mental illness, with recommendations for best practice in mental health and other support services. Award-winning educational resources include Guidebooks and ebooks, Factsheets, podcasts, videos, Guidelines for health professionals, and our popular magazine, SANE News. All resources are available online in digital and print format. Advocacy and campaigning work educates decision-makers about the needs of people affected by mental illness, and how they can be supported to lead a better life through improved services, supports, and community attitudes.
Training SANE develops and provides innovative training programs for the community and professionals, to promote better understanding of mental illness and services for people affected. Current projects include: The Mind and Body Initiative focuses on treatment and support for the whole person: promoting better physical health for people with a mental illness, and better mental health for people with physical health conditions. The Mental Illness and Bereavement Initiative focuses on improving the coping ability of family and friends when someone with a mental illness dies by suicide or goes missing. (Supported by the Australian Government, Department of Health) The Mindful Employer initiative promotes mentally healthy workplaces, that benefit both employer and employee.
The organisation was formed in 1986 as Schizophrenia Australia Foundation, and changed its name to SANE Australia in 1997.