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‘Helping someone find their answers, in their time’: Meet Ana, our Western Sydney HASI Service Manager

31 October 2025
Ana Lopez smiles in the waiting room of Neami Western Sydney.
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At Neami, we understand that mental health is at the heart of everything.

That’s why our approach is simple but powerful: we work alongside people, at their pace, supporting them as they uncover their own path to wellness.

It’s placing people at the centre of their care and tailoring support to suit their needs.

Ana Lopez lives these principles every day in her role managing our Neami Western Sydney’s Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI) service.

‘I’m very committed to this work because the work is in line with what I’m passionate about. I’m not just committed because I have to be, it’s because I love what I do,’ she said.

Wellbeing can be impacted by many factors, and we know that each person’s reasons for seeking support are diverse and unique.

That’s why we support people to connect with their strengths and values, plus offer practical assistance and strategies to manage everyday challenges.

‘We empower people to explore what matters most to them. If something feels too hard or there’s a barrier in the way, we’re there to help unpack it, together,’ Ana said.

‘It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about helping someone find their answers, in their time.’

In this article

What is HASI?

Since 2002, Neami has delivered The Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI) – a NSW Health program supporting people living with mental health challenges.

It’s Neami’s longest running program, supporting 716 people across the state in 2024.

HASI is for people experiencing significant difficulties managing their day-to-day life and provides flexible, community-based support.

People work with a team of support workers who regularly visit them in their home and/or local community.

Learn more about Housing & Accommodation Support Initiative

The impact of compassionate, non-judgemental support – meet Rick

We spoke to Rick, who told us the support he has received through Neami Western Sydney’s HASI program has been life changing.

‘Neami supports me in huge ways, in so many different ways. They allowed me to trust again… and this is, you know, something very rare for me,’ he said.

Rick says encouragement from his support workers made a huge difference, speaking to his challenges with housing, alcohol and other drugs and domestic abuse as a child.

‘When you put so much in your recovery, you’re trying hard and when you relapse, it’s just, it’s just not a good thing, you know?

‘Laura [Neami support worker], she just encouraged me and said, look, it’s OK, you know, don’t beat yourself up because what’s happened happened and you just got to move forward.’

 

Read about Rick’s journey

Ana reflected on the impact that compassionate, non-judgemental support can have on someone’s journey.

‘Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is believe in someone, especially when they’re struggling to believe in themselves. That belief and support can change everything.’

As of July next year, the HASI program will be delivered under the Community Living Supports (CLS) program.

 

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