Employment is one of the usual contributors to a meaningful and productive life. Most people in Australia expect it as a right.
However, for people with a mental illness employment is not always easy to attain. People may face stigma from employers, their illness may affect their productivity.
New Horizons delivers a pre vocational service in Miller, near Liverpool. This service is based on operating a catering business and a coffee shop. Clients have the opportunity to learn general work skills and skills specific to catering and retail sales. Three clients can access the service each day.
This prevocational service is a partnership between New Horizons and the Sydney South West Area Health Service (AHS). The AHS decides with the client that the service is suitable and will meet the client’s needs. The AHS is also responsible for the mental health case management. New Horizons provides the direct support and the training.