ABOUT SANE
www.sane.org.uk
Mental illness has been shrouded in secrecy for such a long time that sufferers, their families and friends are often left feeling helpless and isolated. Until recently, many have felt that they had nowhere to turn.
To address this, SANE was established in 1986 following the overwhelming public response to a series of articles featured in 'The Times' newspaper entitled 'The Forgotten Illness'. Written by Marjorie Wallace, now SANE's Chief Executive, the articles underscored the neglect of people suffering from schizophrenia and the poverty of services and treatments. From its initialfocus on schizophrenia, SANE developed and is now concerned with all mental illnesses.
SANE has three objectives:
- To raise awareness and respect for people with mental illness and their families, improve education and training, and secure better services
- To undertake research into the causes of serious mental illness through The Prince of Wales International Centre for SANE Research
- To provide information and emotional support to those experiencing mental health problems, their families and carers through SANELINE.
SANE's national telephone helpline, SANELINE, was set up in 1992. SANELINE volunteers currently handle up to 1000 calls per week from men, women and children suffering from mental illnesses as well as their carers and health professionals.
SANE's vision is to use its proven helpline expertise to reach many more people affected by mental illness, their families and friends. Through the use of regular anonymised surveys of its users, SANE is in a prime position to understand both what is required and how to deliver it.
SANE works closely with other mental health charities and external organisations and is an active member of the Mental Health Alliance.