Mental Health Commission welcomes youth package

10 August 2009

Mental Health Commission welcomes the Government youth opportunities package.

The Mental Health Commission is fully supportive of the government’s $152 million package to create new work, education and training opportunities for unemployed young people, announced last week.

“Being unable to find a job is a stressful difficult time for many adults but for young people just beginning their working life long term unemployment can be devastating and have long term consequences,” said Chair Commissioner of the Mental Health Commission Dr Peter Mc George.

The government’s plan to create 16,900 new opportunities will go a long way to boost the youth job, training and education market.

“Those 16 -20 year olds who are unemployed for a lengthy period are far more likely to be unemployed at later ages in their lives. At a time when it is important for young people to develop the discipline of regular work and earn the rewards of regular wage unemployment can lead to feelings of marginalisation and of being of little value to society,” said Dr Mc George.

“Being dependant on the dole for everyday living reduces a young person’s access to private institutions such as banks and insurance companies that others can turn to for help in reducing the uncertainties of life. It also means that learning how to allocate time in one’s day, so important to personal development, is likely to be compromised,” he said.

Young people with existing mental health issues are particularly vulnerable as being unemployed may reinforce their feelings of exclusion from society.

“Due to feelings of shame and passivity young people may retreat from their social network and reduce their social contacts only to those in the same position. The Commission supports the governments’ investment in youth and their future,” said Dr McGeorge.

ENDS

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