IPS-Kick-Off-2

Individual Placement and Support (IPS) for young people with mental health issues, had it’s official “Kick Off” yesterday at Headspace, Glenroy.

In the spirit of October being ‘Mental Health Month‘, the program is an exciting collaboration between Campbell Page, Orygen and Headspace to assist young people within the Calder Victoria region, to find and keep a job.

IPS is an employment services model which has already been trialled in numerous locations world-wide, with great success. With the service now launched in Melbourne, Victoria, Campbell Page are hoping to assist more and more young people in the struggle against mental illness.

Campbell Page have provided a dedicated IPS Employment Specialist, Terri Pozvek (pictured left) to work with Headspace to deliver an intensive service to assist young people facing mental health issues to find and maintain employment. Together with Lisa Smart (Campbell Page Mental Health Services Manager, pictured right) the duo are looking forward to making a difference in the community through the innovative program.

Lisa saw the The Kick-Off event as a ‘huge success‘, with the Local Member for Hume, Rob Mitchell, attending to show his support. She also made mention that ‘we had a visit from Mark O’Brien attending on behalf of Kelvin Thompson, Member for Moreland‘.

Managers from Headspace and Orygen head offices, also came along bringing both young people and staff involved in the program. Gina Chinnery (National Vocational Services Manager, for Orygen Youth Mental Health Research facility) spoke about the success of the IPS model when supporting people into employment. The other guest presenters all shared similar positive views on the program – affirming their excitement about the launch of IPS here in Victoria.

The program has also been featured in the Local Hume Newspaper – Click the link here to read more.

If you or someone you know need assistance with a Mental Health concern, please contact ‘Get Help Now’ services by clicking the following link or call Lifeline on 13 11 14