Have your say: groundbreaking new survey launched TODAY!

Last November, SANE Australia launched the Anne Deveson Research Centre (ADRC). In launching the Research Centre, we had a vision. A deep desire to better understand the experiences of people living with complex mental health issues – not just in terms of their diagnoses, symptoms or labels – but the varied, nuanced and unique aspects of their lives as a whole.

We know that people’s experiences of complex mental health issues do not exist in a vacuum, and impact how they’re treated by those around them. In order for us to be able to passionately advocate for improved social outcomes and support, we needed to have a better understanding of how living with a mental health issue impacts people across key areas like employment, housing and the healthcare system.

I’m so excited to announce that after working closely with incredible lived experience advocates, policymakers, stigma reduction practitioners and dedicated researchers, our vision has finally come to fruition today.

Supported by the Paul Ramsay Foundation, Our Turn to Speak is a groundbreaking national survey that seeks to understand the life experiences – both positive and negative – of people living with severe and complex mental health issues in Australia.

The ADRC has worked in partnership with the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences (MSPS) at the University of Melbourne, and is seeking 7,000 survey participants aged 18 and over, who have experienced complex mental health issues in the last 12 months.

More than 690,000 Australians aged 18 and over live with complex mental health issues. The findings of Our Turn to Speak will be used to inform SANE’s future advocacy efforts, as we work to make a real difference to all Australian affected by these issues.

To see if you or someone you know is eligible to participate, take a look at the website, ourturntospeak.com.au. If you’d like to share this survey with others, please use the resources in our supporter pack.

I’m so incredibly excited by the potential of this work to catalyse real change for those of us affected by complex mental health issues. It’s Our Turn to Speak.

Best wishes,

Dr Michelle Blanchard Deputy CEO, SANE Australia