Employment support for young people

HEADSPACE Bendigo has received funding to continue to assist young people experiencing mental health issues.

A new Federal Government grant of $1.06 million will go towards headspace Bendigo’s individual placement and support program, which aims to help people with mental illness in the region find and keep employment.

Victorian Senator Bridget McKenzie said the funding is an important step in supporting young people.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government will invest in this program to boost local mental health and employment services in regional Victoria,” she 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.”

The individual placement and support program also aims to help people transition from study to work.

More than 6000 young Australians experiencing mental illness have access “local career assistance hand-in-hand with clinical support”, with 26 sites across the country offering the program.