In July, we heard views from young people on the topic of mental health. The AYF now wants to hear more.
This time, we are focusing on participation in education, training and employment of young people who live with
mental illness.
We want to hear your views on:
- barriers to participation in education, training or employment faced by young people who live with mental illness;
- approaches that have supported participation; and
- suggestions or new ideas to make it easier for young people who live with mental illness to participate in education, training and employment.
The AYF will use your ideas from this discussion topic, and the previous one on mental health, in a submission on behalf of young people to a House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education and Employment – Inquiry on mental health and workforce participation.
Join the discussion and/or share your thoughts on mental health and workforce participation by completing a short online survey.
If you, or someone you know is experiencing mental health difficulties, and need to speak to someone call:
Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
Did you know that one in four young people, aged 16–24, will experience a mental health-related disorder, including substance abuse related issues, in any given year in Australia? And that depression and anxiety are the most common mental health disorders amongst young people? It is estimated that one in five young people will have experienced a diagnosable depressive episode by the age of 18.
Evidence is building that shows the link between unemployment and mental illness. Indeed, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation Development (OECD) found employment of people with a disability promotes social inclusion, lowers poverty risk and can contribute to the recovery of some conditions.
In 2009, the majority (81%) of young people aged 15-24 years (from a total of around three million) were fully engaged in either education or work. While most young people aged 15-24 years were fully engaged, some 561,000 (19%) were not. These were made up of 8% of young people who worked part-time (without being enrolled in study), 5% who were unemployed and another 6% who were not in the labour force. A very small proportion of young people (25,700 or around 1%) were enrolled in part-time study only .
Although there is no current research on the unemployment rates of young people who live with mental illness, studies in 2008 and in 2010 found that people with a mental illness were less likely to be employed.
The Australian Government is very concerned about all Australians and the issue of mental health, and on 11 May 2011 announced that additional funding of $1.5 billion over five years would be provided for further National Mental Health Reform initiatives.
This funding is to ensure Australians with a mental illness get the care they need, when they need it, and makes a significant contribution to properly supporting young people who struggle with mental illness.