More social workers, occupational therapists and psychology students and graduates are training and starting their careers where they are needed the most through the Australian Government’s headspace Early Career Program (ECP).
The headspace ECP already supports students and graduates to undertake placements across 56 headspace services including headspace Inala.
Through supervised primary health care rotations, students and graduates get real world experience under expert guidance. These placements boost the mental health workforce so young people seeking help get the support they need where and when they need it.
As part of the 2024-25 Budget the Government is providing additional funding of $27.13 million to continue the program. It means up to 1500 student and 150 graduate placements will have taken place by December 2026.
The Government is committed to reforming the mental health and suicide prevention system so all children, young people and their families have access to affordable care, closer to home.
Extending the headspace Early Career Program will continue to boost the workforce and support services to meet increased demand.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister, Emma McBride:
“Supporting the mental health of young people is a key priority for our government.
“Last week’s Budget included significant investment to give people access to the mental health care and support they need, when and where they need it.
“Having the right workforce is a key part of that , and the headspace Early Career Program will help us get there."
Quotes attributable to the Member for Oxley, Milton Dick:
“headspace is a trusted model of care that is recognised by young people, their families and communities for providing youth friendly mental health support.
“The headspace ECP benefits from the highly skilled educators who are providing clinical and field supervision to the students and graduates.
“I’m especially pleased that priority placement is given to rural and regional locations, as well as sites with workforce challenges. It means a better spread of trainee clinicians where they are needed the most.”