Bright Futures in Work and Study: Integrating Vocational Support to Enhance Mental Health Outcomes
Tracks
Ballroom 2 - In-Person Only
| Wednesday, March 26, 2025 |
| 10:55 AM - 11:15 AM |
Overview
Carolyn Watts, Headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation
Presenter
Ms Carolyn Watts
Head of headspace Work and Study
Headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation
Bright Futures in Work and Study: Integrating Vocational Support to Enhance Mental Health Outcomes
Abstract
headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation, provides early intervention mental health services online and in person to young people and their families. Over the past 11 years, headspace has provided almost 2 million services to young people through our centres and online services. As leaders in youth mental health and in response to the work and study needs of young people, headspace has expanded their work and study supports across Australia.
The onset of mental ill-health commonly occurs during adolescence and can affect a young person’s ability to engage in work or study. This can significantly impact their development and future. Reducing the length of time a young person is disengaged from work or study can positively impact their mental health and wellbeing. Working or studying provides purpose, connection, and structure. Engaging in meaningful work or study is a critical protective factor for good mental health. It leads to improved resilience, self-esteem, social connection, and inclusion. Work and study support assists young people to identify and reach their work or study goals, it is essential that vocational considerations are included when working with young people across the continuum of mental health care, regardless of their mental health presentation.
The session will highlight our clinically integrated approach through case studies of young people while exploring,
• how engagement in work or study can promote inclusion and wellbeing, fostering self-esteem, identity and purpose
• the role of digital service delivery in increasing accessibility and engaging with young people from headspace priority groups including, young people who are First Nations, LGBTQI+, and from rural and remote communities
• the role WS support can have in addressing disparity and socioeconomic challengers that impact on equity in mental health care, and
• a methodical approach to integrating clinical care with work and study supports.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Mental health benefits of work and study for 15 to 25 year olds
2. A model of how to integrate WS considerations into your clinical work through organisational leadership to practical on ground approaches
3. Resources and referral pathways for headspace’s work and study programs as a stand-alone support or in conjunction with other formal supports
The onset of mental ill-health commonly occurs during adolescence and can affect a young person’s ability to engage in work or study. This can significantly impact their development and future. Reducing the length of time a young person is disengaged from work or study can positively impact their mental health and wellbeing. Working or studying provides purpose, connection, and structure. Engaging in meaningful work or study is a critical protective factor for good mental health. It leads to improved resilience, self-esteem, social connection, and inclusion. Work and study support assists young people to identify and reach their work or study goals, it is essential that vocational considerations are included when working with young people across the continuum of mental health care, regardless of their mental health presentation.
The session will highlight our clinically integrated approach through case studies of young people while exploring,
• how engagement in work or study can promote inclusion and wellbeing, fostering self-esteem, identity and purpose
• the role of digital service delivery in increasing accessibility and engaging with young people from headspace priority groups including, young people who are First Nations, LGBTQI+, and from rural and remote communities
• the role WS support can have in addressing disparity and socioeconomic challengers that impact on equity in mental health care, and
• a methodical approach to integrating clinical care with work and study supports.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Mental health benefits of work and study for 15 to 25 year olds
2. A model of how to integrate WS considerations into your clinical work through organisational leadership to practical on ground approaches
3. Resources and referral pathways for headspace’s work and study programs as a stand-alone support or in conjunction with other formal supports
Biography
Carolyn has spent 10 years at headspace developing innovative ways to support young people with employment and education. Carolyn is responsible for the leadership and management of Work and Study programs and services across the headspace network. Services that support over 5000 young people each year with personalised, strength based and clinically integrated support.
Carolyn has 30 plus years of experience working across employment services, social services, and sport with a particular focus on young people. Her key roles have been at both the management and executive management and board level in various not for profits and federal government.
