It is headspace Work and Study Month in March! Relationships Australia WA is the lead agency for headspace services in the South-West and we are excited to share the fantastic work their teams are doing.
Navigating the world of work and study can be a daunting task for young people. The thought of starting a career or considering study options can be overwhelming, and the stress of writing a resume and preparing for interviews only adds to the pressure.
headspace is well known for helping young people with their mental health and well-being – but did you know they also provide support to young people to achieve their education and employment goals?
This March is headspace Work and Study Month - a national event shining a light on the important link between work, study and mental health. headspace Bunbury, Busselton and Margaret River are gearing up with some exciting initiatives to support young people to access further education and learn vital skills that will prepare them to reach out to employers.
The headspace Work and Study Program is a free service designed to help young people aged 12 - 25 in Bunbury and surrounding areas develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in their educational pursuits or careers.
The program offers free personalised 1-on-1 support, tailored to the individual needs of each participant - whether it is assistance with resume writing, job searching, interview preparation, exploring study options, or understanding their workplace rights.
One of the highlights this year is a collaboration between headspace Bunbury and Busselton, and Dress for Success. This incredible outreach program will be visiting both locations in April, and young people enrolled in the Work and Study Program will have the opportunity to book free styling appointments to help them become ‘work ready’.
Young people who have participated in headspace Bunbury’s Work and Study program report improved confidence, meaningful purpose and they enjoy more financial freedom – all protective factors against mental ill-health.
Events
- March 8, Bunnings Bunbury Trade Breakfast - to kick off the month, a headspace Individual Placement and Support (IPS) vocational specialist will be attending a Bunnings Trade breakfast on March 8th to promote both the Work and Study Program and IPS with potential employers in the trade industry. Bunnings will also be providing a career talk on employment pathways and career opportunities for young people.
- April, Dress for Success - Book in for free styling appointments in Bunbury and Busselton, courtesy of Dress for Success. Participants will receive two complete outfits, along with accessories, personal products, and makeup. Additionally, those who secure employment will be invited back for an "I got the job" appointment, where they will receive another week's worth of clothing, mailed directly to them.
Young people can engage with the work and study program by contacting headspace Bunbury on (08) 6164 0680 or emailing info@headspacebunbury.org.au
Tips to stay motivated during your job search
- Set achievable goals. For example, aim to apply for several jobs that you feel comfortable with every week.
- Celebrate small wins. Every achievement, big or small, deserves at least a happy dance.
- Learning and improving your job interview skills can help you feel more confident and motivated.
- Get help with your job applications. You don’t have to do it alone, and there are a bunch of tips for applying for jobs in a way that helps employers identify your strengths. Check out our group chat on writing amazing job applications!
- Help employers understand that what you lack in years of experience you make up for in your ability to learn quickly when you’re really passionate about something. Check out these tips for getting a job with less experience.
- Get help talking to your family. Sometimes, family members can put unnecessary pressure on young people to find work. One way to get help on this is to find ways to communicate clearly as a family.
About headspace
headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25year olds. Each year, headspace helps thousands of young people access vital support through our headspace services in 156 communities across Australia[1], our online and phone counselling services, our vocational services, and our presence in schools. headspace can help young people with mental health, physical health (including sexual health) alcohol and other drug services, and work and study support. For locations of headspace services, as well as factsheets and resources for young people and their families and friends, please visit the headspace website.