Planned Support & Counselling
Support tailored to your needs
Individual planned support is based on the needs identified by male survivors and draws from the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. We use a collaborative approach in our aim to achieve a wrap-around support for all survivors we work with.
This involves partnering or walking alongside survivors and their families to provide practical support in dealing with agencies such as Centrelink, Housing, Victims Services, National Redress Scheme, Police, Counselling Services and the legal system.
SAMSN employs clinicians with specialist skills as well as those with lived experience to provide this service. SAMSN workers can accompany survivors to interviews, set up appointments, make calls on behalf of survivors, advocate for access to services, assist with navigating government systems and finding ways to resolve difficulties, as well as referrals to other agencies.
SAMSN also has a specialist trauma-informed counsellor who can provide short term counselling and assist survivors and their supporters to access longer term counselling if needed. This service can be provided either in-person or over the phone.
Common reasons for contacting SAMSN
Need to talk
Talk with a mate who can relate
Trouble in relationships
Professional support and counselling for survivors, family and supporters
Struggles with drugs, alcohol and gambling
Help to understand the impacts of abuse and tools to assist recovery
Need help dealing with impact like flashbacks
Help to understand the impacts of abuse and tools to assist recovery
Dealing with feelings of guilt and shame
Help to understand the impacts of abuse and tools to assist recovery
Need practical and emotional support
Links to helpful readings and resources
Feeling isolated
Connection with other survivors
Overwhelmed by debt, work and other life issues
Practical assistance in dealing with housing, victim services and Centrelink
Seeking justice
Help reporting to the police, legal services, seeking national Redress and compensation
Supporters & Survivors Workshop
Find Resources
“It is a privilege to work for an organisation that has been supporting guys living and surviving through their life traumas, finding their way to finally ask and receive support. One can see that from the moment you walk through our doors or speak to one of us on the phone, that you will receive respect because we understand and care. I reflect each day about the trauma-informed principles and SAMSN values that inform how we approach our work and support.”
“I believe that everyone has the ability to choose their own paths and be forces for their own change. Everyone has different stories and views, so it is ok to reach out and reflect with a supportive network to help find your own path and start to make changes for a better life. Taking that first courageous first step is the beginning of the healing process.”
“What I love about SAMSN is that we help guys in a way that is person-centred. There is no pressure. You don’t have to tell your story nor do you have to do anything your uncomfortable with. Whether it’s the first time you’ve ever reached out to someone or even if it has been on your mind for 30 years, we are ready for you. And we will do everything in our power to help you live with and manage the impacts of trauma. Recovery is about taking your power back and taking the steps to live the most satisfying and meaningful life you can. SAMSN is just the beginning.”
“We understand that reaching out for support is not easy. The idea of sharing your story can be frightening but we believe that the impact of sharing your story is profoundly positive. SAMSN exists to offer this space to survivors and supporters. A space to be heard, believed, and to connect. During my time at SAMSN, I have had the privileged opportunity of hearing countless stories of courage and bravery that each and every person who contacts SAMSN holds.”
“I firmly believe survivors have a right to be heard and to share their story, even if that is just with one person. SAMSN provides me with the opportunity to support survivors, working at their pace, through their recovery journey and to achieve their individual goals. I walk with survivors on their journey of recovery, and I am humbled to be able to support survivors to achieve autonomy, regain control over their lives and to feel empowered.”
SAMSN acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work. We pay our respect to Past, Present and Future Elders.