Finding connection and hope through Wellness Connect

When Adelaide local Daniel reached out to Wellness Connect, he was in deep distress. ‘I was having really bad suicidal ideation and a depressive episode late one night. I called a mental health phone support and told them I was suicidal, and a lovely suicide prevention worker gave me the phone numbers of different support options to call. One of those I called was Wellness Connect – which was my connection to Neami.’ 

Heading to his first appointment, Daniel didn’t expect much. ‘I thought it was going to be no help – they’ll just sit and talk with me but it’s going to go nowhere. But after the first appointment I felt severe anger towards myself for misjudging them. Neami has been fantastic – to the moon and back.’ 

Working together

Daniel’s journey with Wellness Connect has been shaped by two dedicated workers: Jack Yull, Mental Health and Wellbeing Worker, and Jack Lewis, Peer Worker. Together, they’ve established trust and made it possible for Daniel to feel heard and supported.

‘The two Jack’s helped me find a sense of being and community by getting me out there. I feel that once I’m done and they’re not seeing me anymore, that I’m going to still have these two in my heart.’

Jack Yull explains why creating trust and mutual understanding is essential. ‘We start off by building a really good rapport and relationship with consumers. Building that relationship and that solid connection first helps with building trust. A lot of people have distrust in services and we are mindful of that.’ 

Jack Lewis shares what drew him to peer work. ‘I was supported by a Peer Worker when I was in some distress in the Urgent Mental Health Care Centre in Adelaide. That experience stayed with me. I’ve always wanted to give back to the community and be involved in this work.’ 

‘Peer Workers hold so much value. We role model and provide hope because we’ve been in their shoes. We show people there’s light at the end of the tunnel.’ 

Together, the team has supported Daniel through practical challenges, including housing advocacy and physical health appointments, while introducing him to group activities and people in his community.  

‘The time we’ve spent together has been really beneficial, and it’s super fun,’ says Jack Yull. ‘The dynamic we have, the three of us, we get along really well. It’s a fun, relaxed environment, but we’ve also achieved a lot together.’ 

Reflecting on the impact of this time with us, Daniel said, ‘I’ve made many mistakes I can’t take back, and I’m filled with self-hatred and regret. If it wasn’t for Neami and ‘the Jacks’ I was near to ending my life, but they really pushed home that I’m not alone, and I’m not crazy.’ 

About Wellness Connect

Wellness Connect offers short-term, community-based mental health support for people whose mental health experience impacts daily life. The program combines one-to-one coaching with group activities focused on wellbeing, social connection and practical skills.  

Wellness Connect is delivered across metropolitan Adelaide led by Neami National, working with Life Without Barriers, Mind Australia, Skylight, and Community Access and Services SA. 

Wellness Connect is supported by funding from Adelaide PHN through the Australian Government’s PHN Program. 

Learn more about Wellness Connect.