MEADOWBROOK'S headspace facility has received a funding extension to support a trial program targeting youth.
Social Services Minister Paul Fletcher and Forde MP Bert van Manen guaranteed $520,000 for headspace Meadowbrook to continue Individual Placement and Support Trials up to June 30, 2021.
The IPS trials were launched in 2016 and offers employment assistance to young people with mental illness up to the age of 25.
People can access job coaching, assistance navigating community support services and Centrelink systems, targeted education and employment opportunities through the program.
Mr Fletcher said the trials had a track record of achieving positive outcomes in Meadowbrook.
"These are people who are at risk of long-term welfare dependence because they disengage from education and employment," he said.
"Through the trial, vocational assistance is integrated into existing clinical mental health and non-vocational support services."
Meadowbrook headspace is run by Aftercare and offers services for mental health, sexual health and physical health, assistance with alcohol and drug issues, and work and study help.
Mr Bert van Manen said mental illness disproportionately affected people under the age of 25.
"As many as one-in-four young Australians aged 16 to 24 experience mental illness in any given year and, sadly, Meadowbrook is not immune," Mr van Manen said.
"headspace Meadowbrook does a terrific job and, through IPS, has made a real difference to the lives of 125 young locals."
Meadowbrook is one of 14 existing IPS Trials around Australia.
