Federal funding over four years is set to empower a dedicated Headspace Program to further assist young people with mental illness fit into the workforce.
Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce said Headspace Tamworth runs the Individual Placement and Support Program to address barriers preventing young people with mental illness from finding and keeping a job.
Mr Joyce said, “The Morrison Government will invest in the program to boost local mental health and employment services.
“By integrating educational and workforce support with clinical mental health services, we can help our young people secure employment opportunities.
Mr Joyce said, “Mental illness should not be a barrier to pursuing a fulfilling career and the Individual Placement and Support Program helps to ensure young people have access to the tailored support they need to thrive in any workplace.”
Chief Executive Officer of Centacare New England Northwest (NENW), Fergus Fitzsimons has welcomed the funding, saying the expanded program will help more vulnerable young people make life-changing choices.
“Many young people just need a little extra assistance to set them on a successful employment path.
“Centacare NENW is on track to provide the expanded education and work placement support services to young people across the Tamworth and Gunnedah Local Government Areas”. Mr Fitzsimons said.
Minister for Families and Social Services, Anne Ruston said the onset of mental illness in young people can significantly affect their ability to transition from study to work.
“This investment will provide local career assistance, hand-in-hand with clinical support to help young people with mental illness enter the workforce and reach their full potential,” Senator Ruston said.
The Morrison Government will invest $845,000 into Headspace Tamworth to locally deliver the initiative over four years.
Nationally, the Individual Placement and Support Program will allow more than 6,000 Australians under the age of 25 experiencing mental illness to access a range of specialist vocational and employment support services.