This blog shines a light on past speakers and collaborators who have helped shape TheMHS events through their bold ideas, lived experience, and innovative approaches to mental health. By showcasing the people spearheading change across the sector, the post celebrates their contributions while inspiring others to think differently, connect more deeply, and continue pushing for progress. It’s a tribute to the voices driving transformation—and a reminder of the powerful impact that shared knowledge and collaboration can have.
Kim Holmes is the Executive Director of Operations at Neami National, where she leads mental health hub, primary mental health, telehealth and sub-acute service delivery with a focus on compassion, quality, contemporary practice and impact. With a background in social work and years of experience in mental health and community services, Kim is passionate about creating accessible, person-centred care; elevating & embedding lived experience within everything we do; building strong, values-driven teams and collective impact.
What has been a highlight of your career thus far?
A highlight has been working alongside people with lived experience, our team, funders & partner organisations to codesign & deliver services that offer genuine alternatives to emergency departments, spaces like the Urgent Mental Health Care Centre and the establishment of Medicare Mental Health Care Centres with a 50/50 clinical and peer workforce. These models reflect what I care deeply about: creating safe, welcoming environments where people in distress feel seen, understood, and heard. This different approach is having an impact as people report feeling safe, welcomed, understood and listened to – Early implementation findings from co-evaluation research of Medicare Mental Health Centres delivered by Neami – Neami National
Are there any tools, models, or practices you’re currently exploring that excite you?
I’m really energised by approaches that bring lived experience and clinical expertise together, moving away from traditional clinical hierarchy and toward mutuality, connection, and hope. Neami’s recent shift to Co-creating safety with consumers – Neami National is an example. It reframes how we think about risk, placing relationships and collaboration at the centre & has been co-designed by a diverse group of disciplines and perspectives including peer workers and clinicians. I’m inspired by the impact this is having, especially hearing people feel more seen, heard, and supported through this approach.
What is a wellbeing activity or practice that is a staple in your life?
Besides travelling and spending time with those nearest and dearest to me, for me, it’s walking or spending time in nature, especially with my Golden Retriever, Milo. It’s where I find space to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with what matters. It is a staple that keeps me grounded in both life and leadership.
