Oh how far we’ve come
Neami’s story began in 1986. We were founded by two passionate people in Melbourne’s inner north, John Cohen and Margaret Tomkins. Neami was established to address the growing housing needs of people leaving hospital and fill in the gaps in services for people experiencing mental health challenges.
As we approach our 40th year, we can reflect on the huge changes we’ve seen in the sector. Research has helped us improve the way we support people. People’s attitudes have changed about mental health and governments have changed their policies.
With each of these changes, Neami has grown, improved and expanded. From working with people who were leaving institutional care in Melbourne’s inner north, to now offering more than 75 services across the nation. These include mental health and wellbeing supports, and housing and suicide prevention services.
One of the best things about our growth over nearly 40 years is that we now have a bold and respected voice. We advocate for policy and funding changes which listen to lived and living experience, and offer people more choice in their care.
We will keep working hard, changing and improving, to help people have a better quality of life.
Neami’s Story
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Explore Neami
Founded in 1986, we have grown to a 1500+ strong team supporting 38,000 people living with mental health challenges across Australia.
We walk alongside people to help improve their quality of life, on their terms.