New research released by headspace the National Youth Mental Health Foundation has revealed half of young people feel their study (53%) and work (48%) situation has been negatively impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

This comes as figures show young people under the age of 25 account for nearly half of all job losses, representing the single largest age group in the COVID-19 unemployment figures, with recent ABS data finding youth unemployment is sitting at 16.4%. 

headspace Work and Study is available to help young people through this time if their work and study activities have been impacted by COVID-19 and they need tailored support. 

It can be really hard to stay positive and optimistic at the moment, and we really want youto know, that yes this is a really tough time, but there are things you can be doing now to help set you up for a bright future.  

Treating this period as a time to work on your personal and professional development can be a really beneficial way to continue pursing work and study goals, even when we’re operating in a really uncertain environment, and our headspace by Stride centres are here to help you with this. 

From one-on-one support with a careers specialist to linking in with industry-specific mentors, our work and study programs provide free, expert and tailored support. If this sounds like something you or a young person you know might benefit from, call one of our specialists on 1800 810 794, visit headspace.org.au/workandstudy. 

We want you to know that if you feel as though you’re not sure about what your next step is when it comes to your work or study, at headspace, we’ve got your back. We’re focused on helping you to be independent, resilient and hopeful for the future and can provide mental health and practical work and study support to help you reach your goals. 

headspace Meadowbrook also offers IPS support, which integrates employment and vocational services with clinical mental health and focuses on the individual needs of people experiencing mental illness who are seeking to enter, or remain in, education and/or employment. For more information on IPS contact headspace Meadowbrook on (07) 3804 4200. 

If you’re unsure about what’s next, headspace Work and Study is here to help. Call one of our specialists on 1800 810 794 or visit headspace.org.au/workandstudy for more information.