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Neami Employment Support Service

The Neami Employment Support Service (NESS) is a specialised employment program, funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. 

What is NESS?

NESS is a free short-term support that addresses the mental health of job seekers and people currently employed, who are seeking specialised workplace assistance. We aim to support people whose experience of employment has been impacted by mental health challenges to feel better prepared for the workplace. 

Our approach

Neami believe in everyone having the opportunity to live a full life – and we give our all to support people to achieve the wellbeing and mental health outcomes that matter to them. We are proud to support 34,000 people living with mental health challenges each year and offer services across 40 different Indigenous lands. Our experience and expertise mean that we are well-placed to support people to address their wellbeing in a variety of ways.

NESS is rooted in Collaborative Relational Practice (CRP), fostering an empowering, strengths-based approach that supports collaboration and autonomy.

At the heart of CRP is an understanding that relationships involving care and connection matter. That being and doing things with people rather than doing things to people matters. And being responsive to people’s individual life situation matters.

What to expect

The program is flexible in its delivery and designed to support people seeking: 

  • to increase their confidence and resilience 
  • to develop essential employment skills 
  • strategies to manage mental health while navigating the workforce 

NESS includes group workshops and online resources. Our self-paced learning modules and practical job-seeking tools remain accessible to people throughout the program. 

Participants can learn at their own pace and choose from a range of learning options, including: 

Interactive workshops with individualised support

Topics include: 

  • identifying your interests 
  • navigating challenges 
  • self-care 
  • workplace communication and boundaries 
  • finding roles that align with mental health needs 
  • optional coaching and support 

Online self-paced flexible learning that explores: 

  • core employment skills 
  • safe self-disclosure  
  • techniques to manage your emotional wellbeing at work 

Referrals and eligibility

The program is for any person aged 16 – 65 whose experience of employment has been impacted by mental health challenges. NESS is for people who:

  • are looking to enter the workforce for the first time and require some specialised assistance 
  • are currently working and struggling to maintain employment 
  • have been out of the workforce for some time and may have lost confidence or direction

For more information on the NESS program, please contact ness@neaminational.org.au 

Locations using this program 

Contact Neami Employment Support Service

Additional info