Consumer involvement and participation is an integral part of Neami. Consumers have input into all levels of the organisation and are involved in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the services provided. Several consumers are Board Directors. 

Neami has always valued, promoted and practised consumer participation in an attempt to design and implement services that are relevant and accessible for all consumers. The philosophy behind this practice is based upon a belief that consumers benefit most in their recovery process when they are provided with opportunities to participate in decisions that affect their lives.  Neami views consumer participation as a fundamental right, and appreciates that in order for participation to occur in a meaningful way, several issues need to be addressed.

Neami has a responsibility to ensure that all staff enthusiastically encourage all consumers to participate in a manner that is appropriate, relevant and meaningful for them. Secondly, Neami has a responsibility to ensure that it has structures, policies and processes that enable consumers to participate in a number of different ways. In 2002 Neami identified over 20 ways in which consumers can participate in decision-making processes. These methods ranged from involvement with the Board of Directors, to recruitment of staff, input into Individual Service Plans and developing Rehabilitation Programs. All these measures have been developed in a genuine attempt to guide the development of services that are reflective of consumer's needs. As a result consumer participation is now a deeply embedded part of our culture.

About Us

Prior to Neami's development of services in New South Wales and South Australia, concerted effort went into the development of a Neami Wide Consumer Participation Group. The group evolved from a growing awareness of the positive effects of participation from people who access Neami services and the broader community.

The group recognises that participation occurs within Neami on a range of levels from the Board of Directors to participation in the planning and delivery of services. The group also acknowledges that through participation, individuals influence their own wellbeing.
Consumer members of the group come together in partnership with management discuss and develop consumer participation within Neami and to share information across service sites on consumer issues.

The group has taken on the role to: 

We would like to achieve the outcomes of: 

Group Membership

Each June/July Neami calls for applications from consumers interested in being part of the Neami Wide Consumer Participation Group.  Two consumers from each service in Victoria are selected and serve a 12 month term.  The first 3 to 4 monthly meetings are spent in orientation and training with the Manager of Business Services and two Community Rehabilitation and Support Workers act as resources for the group.  The President of the Board of Directors and the CEO attend a number of meetings throughout the year.   The next 8 months are spent gathering ideas and giving advice to the Board of Directors on a range of consumer issues.  Consumers are paid a meeting sitting fee. 

Are you interested?

If you are a consumer of Neami services and are interested in participating within the service at any level please discuss your interest with you support worker who will assist you. 

In the near future we aim to develop similar Consumer Participation Groups in New South Wales and South Australia.  The challenge will be to explore opportunities to share the learning between the consumer groups across the three states.

A snap shot of the consumers who use Neami's services is available and looks at people's age, gender, ethnic profile, diagnosis and where they are receiving a service.

National Consumer Profile

Victoria Consumer Profile

New South Wales Consumer Profile

South Australia Consumer Profile