Specialised Personal Mental Health Employment Services in Northern Adelaide
Residents in Northern Adelaide experiencing mental health challenges will now receive additional support to secure meaningful employment following the launch of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Program.
Delivered through a partnership between Community Bridging Services (CBS) Inc. and Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, IPS is an internationally recognised, evidence-based initiative providing personalised employment assistance alongside mental health support.
The official launch event for the Northern Adelaide IPS Program was held on 10 September 2026 coinciding with R U OK? day.
The launch also marked a major milestone for CBS Inc., as 2026 celebrates 10 years of partnering with SA Health Mental Health Services to deliver the IPS Program. September also marks the 30th Birthday of CBS Inc.
Through individualised support, participants can receive assistance with résumé development, job searching, approaching potential employers, interview preparation and accessing essential work-related items, checks or clearances. This is a partnership wraparound support service to meet individual goals.
The program helps participants understand how employment may affect their income support payments and develop a disclosure plan based on their individual circumstances and preferences. Importantly, support continues after employment is secured, helping peach person feel confident, supported and successful in the workplace for as long as they require.
CBS Inc. Employment Specialists have the time to work closely with Community Mental Health teams to identify employment opportunities aligned with each participant’s strengths, interests, preferences and career goals.
Health and employment specialists recognise that meaningful employment plays an important role in mental health recovery by supporting confidence, independence, financial stability, social inclusion and community connection.
The program is available to those eligible receiving support through participating Community Mental Health teams. People interested in the IPS Program are encouraged to speak with their mental health clinician to determine whether IPS is available at their location.
An IPS consumer stated:
“You can set goals, (and) they will do everything to help you reach your goals.”
Director Allied Health (Mental Health) and Community Mental Health SA Sarah Burden said:
“Stepping into employment can take enormous courage, especially for people rebuilding their lives after periods of illness. IPS honours that courage by walking alongside people, not ahead of them. IPS opens doors and for many people those doors lead to a future they have been waiting a long time to step into.”
CBS Inc. Founder and Executive Director Freddie Brincat OAM said “We had to be involved to do better as all the evidence showed that IPS works. Employment is part of the recovery process and our ten-year commitment happened because we have seen so many people who never thought they would work again succeed with support out of poverty and back as an important member of our workforce and community. With IPS everyone involved wins.”
The launch brought together government representatives, mental health leaders, service providers, community partners and people with lived experience, employers and senior representatives from South Australia’s mental health services.
Contact details:
Tim Wiseman
Regional Individual Placement and Support Manager – CBS Inc.
Email:
Ph: 0419 864 169