> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.silverband.com.au/home/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.silverband.com.au/home/training/how-to-get-support/send-a-direct-message.md).

# Send a direct message

## Overview

Each institution's key authorised contact(s) is assigned a Slack profile to communicate with the Help Desk team via Slack (instant message).

Slack is intended for cases where you have a question that has an answer that we can immediately provide. Anything that requires us to investigate or provide detailed instructions should be raised as a ticket (*see the instructions on* [how to raise a ticket](/home/training/how-to-get-support/raise-a-ticket.md)).

1. Click the link below (*depending on your Operating System*) to download Slack.

&#x20;           [<img src="https://a.slack-edge.com/5f35cf0/img/icons/favicon-32-ua.png" alt="" data-size="line">Windows | Downloads](https://slack.com/intl/en-au/downloads/windows)                             [<img src="https://a.slack-edge.com/5f35cf0/img/icons/favicon-32-ua.png" alt="" data-size="line">Downloads](https://slack.com/intl/en-au/help/articles/207677868-Download-Slack-for-Mac)

2. Sign in to the Silverband workspace by clicking on this link: <https://silverband.slack.com/>
3. Enter the login details assigned to you.

{% hint style="info" %}
**NOTE**:

Each institution is assigned its own channel to report issues, ask for help etc.
{% endhint %}

## Get Started

Now that you are in Slack, you can now start communicating with us. You can address your message to one or more of our team members by typing the '@' sign before your message and choosing a name. You can also check their availability by checking on the status circle beside their names: <mark style="color:green;">green</mark> indicates available.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.silverband.com.au/home/training/how-to-get-support/send-a-direct-message.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.