Mental health issues affect 1 in 5 Australians – more people than cancer and diabetes combined. It’s estimated that mental illnesses cost over $30 billion every year in Australia, in everything from increased health costs, to lost worker productivity, to homelessness, and unemployment.

We also know that there is a strong correlation between mental health and employment. People who work in secure, stable, and supportive environments, not only retain employment for longer – they also have better mental health outcomes.

With this in mind, how can we expand the role of social enterprises in employing people with a mental health condition, or substance abuse issues?

Social Outcomes was recently engaged by the Queensland Mental Health Commission to complete an analysis and report on ‘Social Enterprise for Employment Outcomes.’

The report argues that social enterprises only require a relatively small investment in order to scale, and help many more people secure and keep jobs in environments that are supportive and promote positive mental health outcomes.

It suggests that even a portion of the billions of dollars spent on job placement services in Australia, could be better utilised by leading social enterprises in Australia, including those detailed in this report – Substation 33, Toowoomba Clubhouse, and Nundah Community Enterprise Co-Operative.

Access the full report here: Social Enterprise for Employment Outcomes