Online work service for youth

A world-first, digital work and study service has been launched by Headspace, Australia’s leading youth mental health foundation.

The headspace Digital Work and Study service is aimed at early school leavers, young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and young people in regional areas.

The service will support young people on a journey of finding and navigating a career path, or working towards further education, which can greatly improve their mental health and well-being. Headspace Rockingham Manager Sherenne Foale said many young people struggled to find work or study opportunities, particularly in regional areas.

“Over the past 12 months, more than one in three young people aged 17-25 accessing Headspace in Rockingham for the first time were disengaged from both work and study,” she said.

“This figure is well above the current national youth unemployment rate of 12.7 per cent. This demonstrates a strong need for holistic work and study services to support vulnerable young people in Rockingham with mental health difficulties.

“The service has been designed to bring one-on-one support across all aspects of work and study into the homes of young Australians via web chat, video conferencing, email or phone.”

Headspace data has shown a direct connection between mental health issues and unemployment. Headspace work and study specialists will be able to assist young people with resumes, career planning and job searching, as well as exploring suitable education and training options.

The service is voluntary for young people to sign up to and is also integrated with clinical care to ensure that the young person is fully supported through a time of significant change.

To access the Digital Work and Study program visit: www.digitalworkandstudy.org.au or phone 1800 810 794. If you are having a tough time contact headspace on 1800 650 890 or www.eheadspace.org.au.