A dedicated headspace program will continue to assist young people in Bendigo experiencing mental illness to join the workforce, thanks to a $1.06m investment from the Australian Government.
Nationals Senate Leader and Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said both the Bendigo and Ballarat headspace sites would run the Individual Placement and Support Program to address barriers preventing people with mental illness from finding and keeping a job.
“The Liberal and Nationals Government will invest in this program to boost local mental health and employment services in regional Victoria,” Senator McKenzie said.
“By integrating educational and workforce support with clinical mental health services, we can help our young people secure employment opportunities.”
“Mental illness should not be a barrier to pursuing a fulfilling career and the Individual Placement and Support Program will ensure our young people in Bendigo have access to the tailored support they need to thrive in any workplace.”
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,” Minister Ruston said.
The Liberal and Nationals Government will invest $1.06m in Bendigo headspace, as well as $845,000 in Ballarat headspace to deliver the initiative over a period of four years.
The Ballarat headspace is one of 26 new sites across Australia to deliver the program, in addition to 24 existing locations, including Bendigo.
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.