Our friends at SANE are currently rolling out a new guided service that provides free tailored digital and telehealth support services for people with complex mental health issues and their families and carers.
Complex mental health issues include bipolar, schizophrenia, complex trauma, and other diagnoses, as well as co-occurring issues such as autism or intellectual disability.
Personalisation, flexibility, and continuity of support are core elements of SANE’s new guided service. Participants are allocated a dedicated support team, usually a counsellor and a peer support worker. In collaboration with their support team, participants are empowered to develop their tailored support plan by choosing a mix of ongoing support that complement their unique recovery goals and allow them to track their progress.
Participants can choose from a wide range of support, including telephone and online counselling, peer support sessions, art and other online social groups, online resources (including interactive tools and information), and SANE’s professionally moderated community forums, accessible 24 hours a day.
Regular check-ins are conducted by the support team to ensure the delivery of safe services, progress and engagement. Participants are also connected with SANE’s online platform, where they can track progress, book appointments and access support resources.
Referrals for the new service are now open in the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) region and can be self-initiated or submitted by a health professional, close family member, carer or referral organisation using the online form at sane.org/referral
SANE’s services can also be reached by calling Head to Health Victoria on 1800 595 212.
Living outside of the NWMPHN region?
New regions across Australia are being added to the guided service continually, please refer to sane.org/referral for an updated list.
In the meantime, SANE’s drop-in complex mental health services do not require a referral and can be accessed through sane.org (including webchat), by emailing getsupport@sane.org or by calling their support team on 1800 187 263 (10am-10pm Monday to Friday).
Resources
Health care providers can download SANE’s Guided Service Factsheet (.pdf) to share with people who would benefit from these free supports. If you would like additional referral materials (such as brochures or posters) or a digital marketing pack, please email SANE.
SANE received funding from the Australian Government to develop and deliver the guided service.
