Work and Study Support Providing Early Intervention and Recovery for 15 to 25 Year Olds
Tracks
Bluewater II - In-Person
| Friday, November 8, 2024 |
| 11:45 AM - 12:15 PM |
| Bluewater II |
Overview
Zoe Walsh and Ella Sheehan, headspace
Presenter
Ella Sheehan
Work and Study Coordinator
headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation
Work and Study Support Providing Early Intervention and Recovery for 15 to 25 Year Olds
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 available 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, so it is essential that vocational considerations are included when working with young people across the continuum of mental health and regardless of their mental health presentation.
In this session we highlight our clinically integrated approach, through case studies of young people who have received work and study support, from our three programs. These stories highlight:
-How engagement in work or study can promote inclusion and wellbeing for young people living in rural communities.
- The role of digital service delivery in increasing accessibility.
-Strategies of engagement with young people from headspace priority groups including, young people who are First Nations, LGBTQI+, and from rural and remote communities.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Mental health benefits of work and study for 15 to 25 year olds
2. Youth specific resources available to support your clients with their work and study concerns and goals
3. Referral pathways for headspace’s work and study programs as a stand alone support or in conjunction with other formal mental health 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, so it is essential that vocational considerations are included when working with young people across the continuum of mental health and regardless of their mental health presentation.
In this session we highlight our clinically integrated approach, through case studies of young people who have received work and study support, from our three programs. These stories highlight:
-How engagement in work or study can promote inclusion and wellbeing for young people living in rural communities.
- The role of digital service delivery in increasing accessibility.
-Strategies of engagement with young people from headspace priority groups including, young people who are First Nations, LGBTQI+, and from rural and remote communities.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Mental health benefits of work and study for 15 to 25 year olds
2. Youth specific resources available to support your clients with their work and study concerns and goals
3. Referral pathways for headspace’s work and study programs as a stand alone support or in conjunction with other formal mental health supports.
Biography
Zoe Walsh
Clinical Coordinator Work and Study Programs
headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation
Work and Study Support Providing Early Intervention and Recovery for 15 to 25 Year Olds
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 available 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, so it is essential that vocational considerations are included when working with young people across the continuum of mental health and regardless of their mental health presentation.
In this session we highlight our clinically integrated approach, through case studies of young people who have received work and study support, from our three programs. These stories highlight:
-How engagement in work or study can promote inclusion and wellbeing for young people living in rural communities.
- The role of digital service delivery in increasing accessibility.
-Strategies of engagement with young people from headspace priority groups including, young people who are First Nations, LGBTQI+, and from rural and remote communities.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Mental health benefits of work and study for 15 to 25 year olds
2. Youth specific resources available to support your clients with their work and study concerns and goals
3. Referral pathways for headspace’s work and study programs as a stand alone support or in conjunction with other formal mental health 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, so it is essential that vocational considerations are included when working with young people across the continuum of mental health and regardless of their mental health presentation.
In this session we highlight our clinically integrated approach, through case studies of young people who have received work and study support, from our three programs. These stories highlight:
-How engagement in work or study can promote inclusion and wellbeing for young people living in rural communities.
- The role of digital service delivery in increasing accessibility.
-Strategies of engagement with young people from headspace priority groups including, young people who are First Nations, LGBTQI+, and from rural and remote communities.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Mental health benefits of work and study for 15 to 25 year olds
2. Youth specific resources available to support your clients with their work and study concerns and goals
3. Referral pathways for headspace’s work and study programs as a stand alone support or in conjunction with other formal mental health supports.
Biography
Zoe Walsh (she/her) is the Clinical Coordinator for Vocational Services at headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation. She has a keen interest in the role that work and study support has in increasing positive outcomes for young people across the continuum of mental health. Coming from a Social Work perspective with senior experience as a Mental Health Clinician, she is passionate about clinically integrated vocational support that; increases understandings of the mental health impacts of career counselling, is trauma informed and evidence-based. Zoe is passionate about rural and remote access to services and the role of digital service delivery.
