SANELINE

SANELINE has been developed over 12 years and the model of care is well tested. A series of evaluations has shown the helpline to have developed a successful formula - emotional support, crisis care and detailed information to anyone experiencing mental health problems, their families and carers, healthcare and other professionals, as well as all organisations working with people affected by mental illness.

The greatest need SANELINE has identified in its 12 years of running is the lack of access to psychotherapy and counselling via the NHS. For people who are depressed or agoraphobic, who have no access to transport or who are living in an isolated and rural environment, telephone or electronic talking therapy may be the only option and could be lifesaving.

The SANE Advisory Counselling & Psychotherapy Service will enable people with complex problems and needs to get mental health information and advice, immediate and long-term support and access to a structured programme of talking therapy via the telephone or via email.

Clients will be referred to the Service by NHS Direct, primary care services, voluntary sector helplines, hospitals, the police, the probation service, SANELINE and other organisations whose role puts them in direct contact with people coping with mental health problems.

In order to get the SANE Advisory Counselling & Psychotherapy Service underway, we are looking for UKCP Registrants who can offer either voluntary or heavily discounted talking therapy over the telephone or by email. This is a unique opportunity to be part of an innovative new project and work with a well respected national charity. The SANE Advisory Counselling & Psychotherapy Service will enable many more people in desperate need to gain access to support and counselling in their own homes at times that fit in with their own lives.

Calls to the Service will initially be taken by volunteer call handlers who will make a need's assessment based on a set of defined criteria, dealing at this stage only with clients requiring information and a basic level of support. Clients in need of more in-depth advice and possibly longer-term support will be referred to the Service Manager or a member of the bank of service advisors for a risk assessment. All service advisors are qualified and experienced mental health workers including counsellors, therapists and mental health nurses. Immediate crisis care, advice and support will be provided at this stage. A referral will be made by a service advisor for those clients who, it is felt, will benefit from a formal programme of counselling or psychotherapy.

For more information on how the SANE Advisory Counselling & Psychotherapy Service is going to work, or to register your interest, please contact Joel Rose. Email: