The dedicated headspace program assisting locals in Cairns and Far North Queensland experiencing mental illness into work will be extended to help more young people secure employment opportunities.
The program, operated in partnership with the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (Queensland Section), will receive $ 1,054,560.00 in funding over the next four years.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said the Cairns headspace site would continue to run the successful Individual Placement and Support Program to address barriers preventing people with mental illness from finding and keeping a job.
“The Morrison Government will re-invest in this program to boost local mental health and employment services in Cairns and far North Queensland,” Mr Entsch said.
“The Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) has the biggest mental health service of RFDS sections across Australia.
“By integrating educational and workforce support with clinical mental health services, we are helping 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 continue to ensure young people have access to the tailored support they need to thrive in any workplace.”
Federal Families and Social Services Minister 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 ongoing local career assistance hand-in-hand with clinical support to help young people with mental illness enter the workforce and reach their full potential,” Ms Ruston said.
The Cairns headspace is one of 24 existing locations being extended, in addition to 26 new sites across Australia delivering the program.
Nationally, the ongoing and expanded Individual Placement and Support Program will allow more than 6000 Australians under the age of 25 experiencing mental illness to access a range of specialist vocational and employment support services.
