headspace National has announced the introduction of the National headspace Early Career Awards, recognising the contribution of emerging clinicians, clinical educators, and headspace centres supporting the youth mental health workforce.
The awards will be presented at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra on 11 February by Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, the Honorable Emma McBride and headspace CEO Jason Trethowan.
Now in its fifth year, the headspace Early Career Program places students and graduates in headspace services, where they deliver supervised clinical care while building the skills they need for long‑term careers in youth mental health.
Since February 2022, the program has supported more than 140 allied health graduates and 1,000 students. These individuals have delivered almost 100,000 occasions of service to more than 30,000 young people through headspace services across Australia.
A follow‑up employment survey of the first two graduate intakes found that almost 70 per cent of the respondents are still working in youth or broader mental health services.
A key feature of the program is a two‑year graduate pathway, comprising two 12‑month rotations and at least one in a regional, rural or remote location.
Three National headspace Early Career Awards will present:
• Outstanding Contribution of a Graduate Alumni to headspace.
• Outstanding Contribution to Clinical Education.
• Outstanding Contribution to Student Placement Programs.
Federal Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention the Honorable Emma McBride MP said "Across the more than 60 headspace centres I've visited around Australia, it is the dedicated clinicians and staff who create the safe and welcoming spaces for young people to access support.
"I'm delighted to see the headspace Early Career Program growing and supporting the next generation of our mental health workforce."
headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said: "I look forward to joining the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride to recognise the outstanding work of our clinicians, students, alumni and centres at the inaugural National headspace Early Career Awards.
"As the Early Career Program enters its fifth year, I am proud of the outstanding contributions everyone has made in ensuring that the next generation of mental health professionals are equipped to support more young people."
