The SAGE & THYME training programme, delivered by the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), is a highly acclaimed, evidence-based communication skills initiative designed to support people in distress. 

Developed in 2006 by clinical staff in collaboration with a patient, the programme has evolved into the UK’s most widely taught foundation-level training for healthcare communication. 

At its heart, SAGE & THYME is a mnemonic—Setting, Ask, Gather, Empathy, Talk, Help, You, Me, End—that provides a memorable structure for conversations.  The training shifts the focus from "fixing" a person’s problems to providing effective listening and psychological support.  It teaches staff how to recognize and respond to the emotions and concerns of patients, carers, or colleagues without feeling overwhelmed or rushed.  By using this structured approach, the listener is empowered to hold back on providing immediate advice, instead prompting the distressed individual to explore their own solutions.

The training is designed for all grades of staff, including clinical roles like doctors and nurses, and non-clinical roles such as medical secretaries and volunteers.  Foundation Level training is available as both a 3h face-to-face or 2h 45min online workshop.  A more advanced workshop on end-of-life care conversations is also available.

To ensure sustainability, MFT provides a robust "Train the Trainer" pathway. The SATFAC (SAGE & THYME Facilitator) course enables staff within an organisation to become licensed facilitators.  This intensive training covers the evidence behind the model, group facilitation skills, and assessment of teaching competence.  Once trained, these facilitators can deliver workshops internally under a licence, embedding high-quality communication skills within the local workforce.  

By bridging the gap between research and clinical practice, SAGE & THYME ensures that every interaction is grounded in empathy and structured support.

SAGE & THYME

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SAGE & THYME

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