Headspace graduate program attracts mental health professionals to regions boosting support for young people

A new approach from headspace is building the next generation of youth mental healthcare workers, and is already transforming the way young people can access support in Geraldton. Gabrielle Lynch joined the headspace early career program after a university peer told her it was “life-changing”, and she is yet to look back. Originally from Newcastle, Ms Lynch made the journey to Geraldton in July 2022 after being accepted into a role as a graduate social work clinician at headspace in Geraldton. The headspace program has placed hundreds of allied health students across Australia into roles that are providing them with tangible experience, and actively helping youths seeking support. There are 81 psychology, social work and occupational therapy graduates in headspace centres, who have provided support on more than 10,500 separate occasions this year alone. The new recruits make it possible to see more young people sooner, and is bolstering social support in less connected regional towns, helping build a strong workforce of skilled mental health professionals for the future. The program runs for two years, during which time graduates work in two different headspace centres — including in regional and remote Australia, participating in an education program from leading youth mental health practitioners and clinical educators. During the program, students undertake short-term placements in their discipline, delivering services under the supervision of their centre. Ms Lynch said the experience in a regional hub had given her priceless advancements in her professional skills. “You get opportunities here that you wouldn’t get in the city. You encounter and build relationships with other services and professionals really quickly. I feel like I have developed much faster here compared to what I would have if I worked in the city,” she said. Ms Lynch said the Geraldton team had a wide range of skills which had helped her learn during her placement. Although those in the program are given the option to experience work in a new centre after their first 12-month placement, Ms Lynch said she had grown very fond of the new life she had made in Geraldton and would love to stay. “WA is spectacular. In the summer, it is all red dirt. Then in the winter, it’s green and lush, and the wildflowers start blooming. Learning about Yamatji culture has also been such a humbling experience,” she said. Headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said the program had made it possible to place more early career professionals in headspace centres around Australia, aiding young people in need. “We know recruiting and retaining mental health workers can be challenging, especially in regional and rural areas,” he said. It is the second year headspace has taken in graduates, but following the Federal Budget in 2023-24, the organisation have not yet received funding for a new graduate intake in 2024 and will not be commencing recruitment in mid-2023.