Relational Approaches to Building, Delivering and Innovating Mental Health Services in Regional Communities
Tracks
Grand Ballroom 2 - In-Person Only
| Friday, November 7, 2025 |
| 8:30 AM - 8:50 AM |
Overview
Kelly Buttignol and Ben Wells, Neami National
Presenter
Mrs Kelly Buttignol
Senior Manager Operations
Neami National
Relational Approaches to Building, Delivering and Innovating Mental Health Services in Regional Communities
Presentation Overview
Relational care makes mental health services accessible, acceptable, and effective. In regional contexts this is even more critical. This is why Neami is centring relationships and relational care in our delivery of mental health and employment support programs around Australia. We acknowledge that care and connection matter when new services are established, and they are essential when innovating to meet gaps and needs identified by communities in existing service ecosystems. Neami is committed to listening and inviting dialogue and partnership as we establish services – where the strengths of those involved are combined to bring about better connections, greater understanding and contextually relevant responses.
This presentation will showcase how we have used our relational approach to address and adapt to unique challenges in regional areas. We will detail successful approaches to increasing awareness and access to mental health and employment services locally, for example, through in-reach to rural GP Clinics, building personal relationships, and shifting the burden of referral pathways. We will describe the critical role of outreach and home-based support in consolidating connection and overcoming barriers to access. Our relational approach to community connection will be demonstrated through the establishment and implementation of a satellite Medicare Mental Health Centre in regional SA. We will share data on how community connection is enhancing engagement, experience and outcomes for guests who use this service.
The audience will understand
• Why and how relational approaches work in innovating service delivery in rural contexts.
• How connecting with community to plan and implement a Medicare Mental Health Centre has delivered benefits for individuals and the whole community
• Lessons learned by experience – the things that did and didn’t work and what we might do next time.
This presentation will showcase how we have used our relational approach to address and adapt to unique challenges in regional areas. We will detail successful approaches to increasing awareness and access to mental health and employment services locally, for example, through in-reach to rural GP Clinics, building personal relationships, and shifting the burden of referral pathways. We will describe the critical role of outreach and home-based support in consolidating connection and overcoming barriers to access. Our relational approach to community connection will be demonstrated through the establishment and implementation of a satellite Medicare Mental Health Centre in regional SA. We will share data on how community connection is enhancing engagement, experience and outcomes for guests who use this service.
The audience will understand
• Why and how relational approaches work in innovating service delivery in rural contexts.
• How connecting with community to plan and implement a Medicare Mental Health Centre has delivered benefits for individuals and the whole community
• Lessons learned by experience – the things that did and didn’t work and what we might do next time.
Biography
Kelly has dedicated over 15 years to Neami, serving as a Service Manager and Senior Manager. Her passion for improving access to mental health services in regional South Australia has driven her to contribute to the establishment of numerous initiatives, including Intensive Home-Based Services and the Port Pirie Medicare Mental Health Centre. Kelly's strong values of community and collaboration have been instrumental in her success, making a significant impact on the mental health landscape in these areas. Her commitment to enhancing regional mental health services, creating community connection and hearing community voices continues to inspire others.
Ben Wells
Senior Manager Operations - Community Connection & Wellbeing
Neami National
Relational Approaches to Building, Delivering and Innovating Mental Health Services in Regional Communities
Presentation Overview
Relational care makes mental health services accessible, acceptable, and effective. In regional contexts this is even more critical. This is why Neami is centring relationships and relational care in our delivery of mental health and employment support programs around Australia. We acknowledge that care and connection matter when new services are established, and they are essential when innovating to meet gaps and needs identified by communities in existing service ecosystems. Neami is committed to listening and inviting dialogue and partnership as we establish services – where the strengths of those involved are combined to bring about better connections, greater understanding and contextually relevant responses.
This presentation will showcase how we have used our relational approach to address and adapt to unique challenges in regional areas. We will detail successful approaches to increasing awareness and access to mental health and employment services locally, for example, through in-reach to rural GP Clinics, building personal relationships, and shifting the burden of referral pathways. We will describe the critical role of outreach and home-based support in consolidating connection and overcoming barriers to access. Our relational approach to community connection will be demonstrated through the establishment and implementation of a satellite Medicare Mental Health Centre in regional SA. We will share data on how community connection is enhancing engagement, experience and outcomes for guests who use this service.
The audience will understand
• Why and how relational approaches work in innovating service delivery in rural contexts.
• How connecting with community to plan and implement a Medicare Mental Health Centre has delivered benefits for individuals and the whole community
• Lessons learned by experience – the things that did and didn’t work and what we might do next time.
This presentation will showcase how we have used our relational approach to address and adapt to unique challenges in regional areas. We will detail successful approaches to increasing awareness and access to mental health and employment services locally, for example, through in-reach to rural GP Clinics, building personal relationships, and shifting the burden of referral pathways. We will describe the critical role of outreach and home-based support in consolidating connection and overcoming barriers to access. Our relational approach to community connection will be demonstrated through the establishment and implementation of a satellite Medicare Mental Health Centre in regional SA. We will share data on how community connection is enhancing engagement, experience and outcomes for guests who use this service.
The audience will understand
• Why and how relational approaches work in innovating service delivery in rural contexts.
• How connecting with community to plan and implement a Medicare Mental Health Centre has delivered benefits for individuals and the whole community
• Lessons learned by experience – the things that did and didn’t work and what we might do next time.
Biography
Ben is a dedicated Senior Manager with a passion for enhancing rural services. He excels in identifying and meeting community needs through strategic collaboration and partnerships. With extensive experience in managing and establishing regional services, Ben has successfully led numerous initiatives that have significantly improved the quality of life in rural areas. He is commitment to fostering strong community relationships and having an innovative approach to problem-solving. Ben's leadership and vision continue to drive positive change, ensuring that rural communities receive the support and services they deserve.
