SANE Australia today launches a new radio campaign aimed at helping people in rural and remote Australia concerned about mental illness.

To mark Schizophrenia Awareness Week (May 16-22, 2004), SANE Australia, the national mental health charity, today launches a radio campaign for rural & remote Australia to help people learn where they can turn for information about mental illness and referral to support services.

The 30-second ads will encourage listeners to call the SANE Helpline – Australia’s only national Freecall mental illness helpline. The SANE Helpline answers thousands of calls and emails each month, with the well-trained Helpline Team providing information about mental illness and referral to local services.

SANE’s Executive Director Barbara Hocking says ‘Mental illness is common – one in five Australians will experience a mental illness at some stage – and mental illness is also very treatable. Yet too many people are unaware of the early signs and of the importance of getting help early. Calling the SANE Helpline is the important first step to take to get the information that helps and to know that you are not alone.

‘We know that radio plays a central role in many people’s lives, especially young people and those in rural and remote areas, so we are delighted to have the support of radio
stations for this important campaign.’

Posters and postcards promoting the Helpline are available free of charge by contacting the SANE office on 03 9682 5933.

The SANE Helpline
Freecall Australia-wide 1800 688 382 (9-5 EST)
HelplineOnline available at www.sane.org