BSocWork; MSW (Monash), GradCert Business Admin, DipGov
James Bell is a seasoned leader in suicide prevention and mental health, currently serving as Director of Safety and Homelessness at Neami National. In this national role, he leads multidisciplinary teams across Australia to deliver specialist services in suicide prevention, homelessness, and youth mental health. His leadership is grounded in trauma-informed, evidence-based, and lived experience-informed practice.
James has a long-standing relationship with Suicide Prevention Australia, having chaired the NSW-ACT Joint State Committee and previously served as a member of the QLD State Committee. He has also contributed to the National Policy Committee, helping shape national advocacy and policy reform.
With a personal connection to the impact of mental health challenges—through both his father’s experience as a Vietnam War veteran and his own journey—James brings deep empathy and insight to his work. These lived experiences have inspired his lifelong commitment to improving mental health outcomes and reducing suicide across diverse communities.
James holds postgraduate qualifications in social work, leadership, and management, as well as tertiary credentials in government administration and governance. His career includes senior leadership roles at Wesley Mission and Neami National, where he has overseen national suicide prevention initiatives including Wesley Lifeforce, Lifeline call centres, suicide aftercare, alternatives to emergency departments and community-based mental health services.
James is committed to systemic change, continuous improvement, and building resilient communities through compassionate leadership and strategic advocacy.
Member of Policy Advisory Committee
