INVESTMENT INTO YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR WAGGA WAGGA

A new dedicated headspace program will assist young people in Wagga Wagga, who are experiencing mental illness, to join the workforce.

The Federal Government will invest $845,000 in the Wagga Wagga headspace to locally deliver the initiative over four years. It is expected to be operational by the end of July.

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the Individual Placement and Support Program would address barriers preventing people with mental illness from finding and keeping a job.

“The Liberals and Nationals’ Government is investing in this program to boost local mental health and employment services in the Wagga Wagga region,” Mr McCormack said. 

“I want young people in regional and rural areas to have the best support to achieve their goals and aspirations and this program, which combines educational and workplace support with clinical mental health services, goes a long way towards achieving this goal.”

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.

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.