The Albanese Labor Government is committed to supporting young people with mental ill health by further funding two proven programs that help those struggling find and keep a job, along with achieving study goals.
The Government is providing $17.2 million to extend two Individual Placement and Support (IPS) program pilots and the Digital Work and Study Service (DWSS) for two years to 30 June 2027.
An additional Vocational Specialist will also be provided in up to 16 headspace centres to help young engage in education, employment and training.
It will mean close to 6000 young people per year with mental ill health can be supported to achieve their goals.
The two IPS pilots involve trialling services for adults through Medicare Mental Health Centres, and a peer support program through six headspace centres.
The IPS program offers one-on-one support to young people aged 12-25 at 50 headspace centres across Australia.
Similarly, the DWSS helps 15-25 year-olds with mental ill health to train and prepare for work, via a digital platform.
The extension of funding will provide certainty and continuation of these important services for young people and adults with mental ill health and deliver better educational and vocational outcomes for thousands of Australians.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said these programs show the benefits of work and study for people with mental ill health.
“We recognise that many people with mental ill health benefit from work or study. That’s why we are so committed to the IPS and DWSS programs,” Minister Rishworth said.
“These programs provide integrated, targeted support. They aim to break down barriers and help people with mental ill health find meaningful work. And they offer diverse ways to use services and meet their work and study goals.
“By supporting the continuation of these programs, we are investing in job outcomes, improved mental health and financial wellbeing for thousands of Australians.”
The IPS program is an internationally recognised employment model. Last financial year, it helped more than 3000 young people, while DWSS helped over 2800 young people. Its unique online support model brings together clinical and vocational specialists to improve work and study outcomes. Both have been operating for more than eight years.
Minister Rishworth said the funding extension, announced through this year’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook, shows the Albanese Labor Government’s resolve to partner with community and not-for-profit organisations to help those most in need.
Professor Patrick McGorry AO, 2010 Australian of the Year and executive director of Orygen which created and now support the IPS program with headspace, said Australia was facing an “unprecedented youth mental health crisis” and welcomed the extra support.
“Two out of five young people are now in need of professional help. We need to redouble our efforts to stem this tide and to ensure young people can resume a pathway to a secure and fulfilling life,” Professor McGorry said.
“The Albanese Government’s decision to maintaining and expand these vocational recovery programs is a crucial element in Australia’s response to the crisis and will strengthen our society.
“Mental ill health in young people is by far the major threat to completing their education and finding and sustaining employment. IPS, which was pioneered and researched at Orygen and then translated into frontline care across the nation, is a highly cost-effective strategy to overcome this threat and prevents young people ending up on the economic scrap heap.”
