The Andrews Labor Government is supporting the expansion of an innovative digital service that will help young Victorians experiencing mental illness engage in work and study.
Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll joined acting headspace CEO Julia Smith in Knox today to launch the second round of the Jobs Victoria Innovation Fund.
Almost $2 million has been awarded to nine organisations, including headspace, who will receive almost $250,000 to support 160 young Victorians experiencing mental illness with career and employment support.
headspace’s Digital Work and Study Service helps young people to transition from school to work and further study, providing one-on-one support, access to digital mentoring and help to self-manage mental health challenges at work and study over the phone, through web chat, video conferencing or email.
The funding from Jobs Victoria supports the expansion of the digital service to 22 local headspace centres and connection to 31 Local Learning and Employment Networks. It fills a critical gap in early intervention support for young people who are not engaging with employment services through traditional methods.
The service has undergone a successful trial that showed most participants felt it provided valuable support for young people. More than two thirds of those accessing the service achieved positive work and study outcomes.
Other organisations funded include Brite Services, Echo Australia Incorporated, Monash University, Specialisterne, Westvic Staffing Solutions, Groomed to Go, Holmesglen Institute, in partnership with the Royal Children’s Hospital and Jesuit Social Services.
The Jobs Victoria Innovation Fund is part of the Labor Government’s $90 million Jobs Victoria initiative, which has provided tailored support services to more than 8,000 Victorians who have faced barriers to employment.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll
“We’re backing Jobs Victoria to make sure every Victorian has access to a good job.”
“The Jobs Victoria Innovation Fund is making a real difference to the lives of young Victorians experiencing mental illness, providing new ways to engage with those who aren’t accessing support through traditional services.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020