Neil first started learning about community inclusion in the disability realm when he and his wife became more involved in their community and shared their home with a few people who were working through the recovery process.

From this, Neil saw the power of ordinary, simple friendship connections. He is passionate about sharing this insight across the sector and seeking to inspire people to keep a community vision alive.

Neil has been running training in mental health for over ten years. He is the manager of A Place to Belong and a trainer and consultant with the Community Praxis Cooperative. Neil has postgraduate qualifications in community development, management and social work.