Many children, teenagers and young adults need more than a standard support appointment. They need steady relationships, positive role models and practical experiences that help them build confidence, independence and connection over time.
Kickstart Youth Services provides youth-focused mentoring, community access, respite and group-based programs across Victoria for children, young people and young adults aged 8–30. Our work supports NDIS participants and young people connected with DFFH-funded supports, with a focus on trust, consistency and practical growth.
Our mission: relationship-based youth support
Kickstart’s work is built around the belief that progress starts with connection. Before goals, routines or life skills can truly develop, a young person needs to feel understood, respected and safe enough to engage.
Under the leadership of Director Mark, who has more than ten years’ experience as a youth mentor, the Kickstart team brings practical experience, care and consistency to each support relationship.
Our core philosophy: patience, integrity and hope
Our approach is guided by simple but important principles:
- Patience and dedication: we show up consistently and understand that meaningful change takes time.
- Integrity and safe relationships: we aim to be positive role models who build trust through honesty, reliability and respect.
- Resilience and hope: we help young people see possibility, build confidence and keep moving forward through challenges.
We believe every young person has value, regardless of their circumstances, support needs or past experiences. That belief is the foundation for building rapport and helping each person move toward their goals.
Tailored NDIS youth mentoring and community access
Kickstart provides personalised mentoring and community-based support that reflects each young person’s age, interests, goals and support needs. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all model, we tailor support around what will actually help the young person participate, learn and grow.
Support may include:
- building everyday life skills and independence
- developing confidence in social and community settings
- working toward vocational, education or routine-based goals
- supporting health, wellbeing and positive routines
- using recreation, fitness and interests as a doorway to trust and growth
The activity is often the doorway, but the relationship is the work. Whether support happens through sport, community access, a practical life-skills task or a shared interest, the goal is to build confidence, connection and capability.
Respite and short-term support
Kickstart also provides respite and short-term support options designed to give young people meaningful experiences while giving families and carers a planned break. Respite is planned around the participant’s needs, preferences and support requirements.
Options may include weekend respite, short-term stays, group activities, camps and community experiences. These supports are designed to be more than supervision — they are opportunities for connection, confidence-building and positive memories.
Group activities, camps and practical growth
Young people often grow when they have safe opportunities to try new things, connect with others and experience belonging. Kickstart’s group activities and camps are designed to support confidence, social participation and practical life skills in a warm, youth-focused environment.
Programs may include sports, outdoor activities, creative projects, community experiences, social events and camps. Each activity is planned with safety, support needs and personal growth in mind.
Reach out to Kickstart
If you are looking for youth-focused NDIS mentoring, community access, respite or group programs for a child, teenager or young adult aged 8–30, Kickstart can help you understand what support may be suitable.
Call 1800 229 736 or visit the referral page to enquire about support.