Work can be more than a job. For many people, it provides structure, routine, social connection and a sense of belonging. It can support confidence, identity and wellbeing — particularly for people living with mental health challenges.
Across Australia, mental health challenges are one of the most common reasons people seek support from their GP, and participation in meaningful work remains an important part of recovery and everyday life. Having the right support at the right time can make a real difference in helping people prepare for, find and keep work that suits their goals and circumstances.
Why Meaningful Work Matters
Employment can play a valuable role in supporting wellbeing by:
- Providing routine and structure to the week
- Creating opportunities for social connection and belonging
- Building confidence, purpose and skills over time
- Supporting independence and participation in the community
For people who have experienced mental health challenges, returning to or starting work may come with concerns about confidence, motivation or managing change. With the right support, employment can become a positive and sustainable part of everyday life.
Inclusive Employment Australia: Support That Understands
Inclusive Employment Australia is a free, Australian Government‑funded program designed to support people with disability, injury, or physical or mental health challenges to prepare for, find and keep meaningful work.
Delivered by Flourish Australia, Inclusive Employment Australia provides personalised, practical support with no time limits, working alongside people for as long as needed to help them achieve their employment goals.
Support includes:
- Personalised planning based on individual strengths, interests and goals
- Help with resumes, job applications and interview preparation
- Skill building through training, education and work‑readiness activities
- Support with workplace adjustments and employer communication
- Ongoing support after starting work to help manage change and do well
A Recovery‑Focused, Peer‑Informed Approach
What makes Inclusive Employment Australia different is its strong foundation in mental health expertise and lived experience.
Flourish Australia brings over 70 years of experience supporting people to participate in work and community life. Many team members, including peer workers, have lived experience of mental health challenges. This helps create support that is respectful, practical and grounded in genuine understanding.
The approach is:
- Peer‑informed, with support from people who understand mental health and work
- Recovery‑focused, supporting confidence, choice and long‑term participation
- Employer‑engaged, working with workplaces to create inclusive, supportive environments
Supporting Both People and Workplaces
Inclusive Employment Australia works alongside both job seekers and employers. This includes supporting workplaces to understand mental health, make reasonable adjustments, and build inclusive practices that benefit everyone.
By staying connected after employment begins, the program helps people and workplaces navigate challenges together and build sustainable outcomes.
Employment as Part of a Bigger Picture
Work is one part of a full life. Through its integrated mental health and employment services, Flourish Australia supports people to build confidence, stability and connection — at work and beyond.
Inclusive Employment Australia is available across multiple locations in NSW and Queensland and is open to people aged 14 up to Age Pension age who are interested in working up to 30 hours per week.
To learn more about Inclusive Employment Australia or check eligibility, visit flourishaustralia.org.au/inclusive-employment-australia or call 1300 779 270 (option 1).
Talk to us today
For more information, contact us on 1300 779 270 or make an enquiry now.
