Specialised Youth Mentoring and Respite Care
Founded in 2020
Founded in 2020, KickStart is an outreach-based Youth Mentoring and Respite Service that provides specialised mentoring and recreational support for young people (aged 13-28) who are either part of the NDIS or subject to DFFH Child Protection Orders.
Our Mission
We guide young individuals in creating achievable personal goals, helping them strive towards a promising future.
Our Vision
To transform the lives of vulnerable youth through relational connection, guiding them towards a life of purpose, meaning and hope.
Thrive Together
We help young people form goals and strive towards a promising future. Our commitment is to foster optimism for the potential of every youth.
what we do
Kickstart provides access to experienced mentors for vulnerable and complex youth
what we do
Kickstart provides access to experienced mentors for vulnerable and complex youth
We believe that every young individual has inherent value, and our services prioritise establishing mentor-mentee connections based on unconditional positive regard. This approach entails treating each person as valuable and competent, regardless of their actions or emotions.
Our experienced team understands and adapts to the complex needs of our clients, enabling us to provide high-quality and individualised care. Collaborating with other professional support services, Child Protection, and community resources enhances our ability to assist youth on their growth journey.
Our Approach
We base our mentorship program on evidence and trauma-informed practices, aiming to foster a sense of purpose in young individuals. We accomplish this by combining mentorship, respite care, and engaging recreational activities.
Our passion lies in inspiring and motivating our clients, working together to set practical goals and creating a comprehensive plan that suits each individual’s unique needs and ambitions.
With over a decade of experience as a Youth Mentor/Leader, Mark has developed an array of specialised skills. Running programs for local youth groups and setting up recreational programs have helped Mark integrate his core ‘why’ with the creativity of his fitness and tradesman background.
With a focus on building pathways with young people through trust and connection, Mark has an exceptional talent for behaviour modelling and has used this in connecting with the most diverse demographics of young people.
I am passionate about connecting with young people through sports, gaming, and the great outdoors. My goal is to create supportive and inclusive spaces where young people can explore their interests, develop essential life skills, and have an incredibly fun time.
I think this is incredibly important in shaping young people’s growth and their overall well-being. Whether we’re shooting hoops, diving into the latest PlayStation game, or heading off on outdoor adventures, my focus is is building lasting memories and life skills along the way. Being a mentor and a positive role model for young people is what I’m all about.
Hello! I am a seasoned professional with over 8 years of experience in the dynamic world of business. As someone deeply passionate about making a positive difference in the world, I have embarked on a journey that goes beyond the confines of traditional success.
In my extensive career, I’ve discovered that true fulfilment comes from more than just financial achievements – it stems from a genuine love for people and a commitment to creating lasting, meaningful impact.
Hi! I’m Tim, the programs coordinator and one of the mentors here at kickstart.
I have been granted the best opportunity to help support our young people and create awesome experiences through our group programs and camps.
With lived experience I am able to relate to the youth and help give them the tools as well support strategies that they may need to meet their needs. I am a firm believer in empowering the youth to be the best that they can be. It inspires me to see our young people grow and gain new skills! It’s not so much about what we can expect from our young people, but for me it is to meet them where they’re at and work from there.
(Also known as K-WAK) is a passionate, energetic and bubbly young man who loves music, God and young people. He has been involved with music since a young age and creates his own raps, as well producing his own beats. Michael was a volunteer youth leader at his church for almost 10 years, before pursuing a paid role in youth work. For a while, Michael has known that his ‘calling’ centers around music and helping youth/young people. He prides himself on being a good listener, easy communicator and having a laid back personality. In future, Michael sees himself supporting and helping young people, as well as trying to pursue a career in music.
Hello, my name is John and I have been doing Youth mentoring for almost a year, after a career change. I really enjoy helping young people learn how to do life better and have fun in the process. I have been all over the world to places in Africa, India, the Middle East, the USA and enjoy travelling and meeting new people. I am very easy going and will get along with just about anyone. I am also a qualified fitness instructor and I enjoy helping people reach their fitness goals
Hey there! I’m Natasha and I’ve been in youth support for four years. Being a positive role model for young people is my passion. I’m compassionate, goal-oriented and dedicated to helping youth develop skills for growth and success. I love staying fit and exploring extreme sports, believing in health and a positive attitude to navigate life’s challenges. When not working, you’ll find me enjoying nature and an active lifestyle. I’m dedicated to helping others reach their full potential, believing that with hard work and a positive mindset, anything is possible.
What They Say
Mark and his team have been an amazing support for the young people involved in our family violence program at Berry Street. Mark is creative in his approach and can easily build rapport with young people by engaging them in what they love most and introducing them to new skills and activities. Mark is a calm and positive role model, who provides consistency and predictability to young people who have experienced trauma. Mark is non-punitive, and trauma informed in his engagement. We are very grateful to have Mark in the care team and providing much needed support to young people and their families engaged with Berry Street.
Susana
Specialist Family Violence Youth Consultant, Berry Street
We have worked with the kickstart team regularly on some of our adventures and outings. They work well with our mission and service goals and so are a pleasure to work alongside. We often refer clients to kickstart who would benefit from their mentoring services, as they specialise in supporting positive change for complex clients. Highly recommend.
Luke Wilson
Director - Paylos Life-changing Adventures
We have been using Kickstart for our young people for 3+ years now. It is always our go to for mentoring & community participation support for our kids!
The Kickstart team are great to work with, it is great and super helpful that they can also provide shift reports and attend care team meetings.
Our experience with Kickstart has been a positive one and we find their mentors to be very dedicated to our young people, always trying new things and persisting through challenges or our young people’s tough times.
Thanks Mark & the team ��
Sarah Simonis
Case Manager – residential care
Hi Team,
The amount of growth and positive change our family has seen in your young person in the 7 months since starting services with Mark and his team is amazing. From disengaged (not in school, study or work) to participating and creating goals. Holiday to Cairns, working on health, leisure opportunities like fishing and 4X4 driving and learning to drive and finding a TAFE course to enrol in. Kickstart is great at building trust and supportive relationships with young people and their family, and empowering our young person to make positive changes in his life.
Michelle Payne
Mother of participant
The staff at Kickstart are wonderful mentors, enjoy challenges, are ethical, enthusiastic, and able to build a rapport with participants, even in the most difficult of circumstances. The Kickstart team are keen to be trained in implementing strategies in behaviour support plans, follow the strategies and seek support when necessary. Rapport building and implementing behaviour support plan strategies allow participants to actively engage in all types of activities successfully. Kickstart really care about all of their participants, time and again I have been delighted to witness participants lives being enhanced because of the commitment of the Kickstart team.
Marcus: Kickstart is a fantastic organisation that provides amazing role models for disadvantaged youths like myself. Before I started with kickstart I was completely off the rails and was involved with the wrong crowd partaking in depraved activities. Through kickstarts amazing behaviour modelling has made me see other side of the coin and motivated me to change my life for the better. I’m forever grateful for Mark and his crew of miracle workers. They changed my life!
Sue Sauer
Behaviour support practitioner
Behaviour and Therapeutic Support Specialists have engaged Kickstart to work with shared participants over the past 2-3 years.
They have provided support and mentoring to participants who were presenting with low motivation, poor engagement, often with feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, and usually with difficulties engaging with supportive service providers.
Their strength in approach is identifying key points of interest for the participant. This promotes a higher level of motivation and participation for the young people.
Kickstart have always demonstrated a commitment to working collaboratively with service providers – e.g. JMC Behaviour and Therapeutic Specialists, which has included training provided for their mentoring and support staff.
Kickstart provide up to date progress reports regarding referred participants, as an ongoing collaborative working relationship is maintained, and highlights key intersecting points for the individual service providers. JMC has always found Kickstart manager Mark extremely approachable and available to discuss referrals. The various mentors in the organisation also reflect these behaviours towards JMC staff, as well as to the participants.
Feedback from participants JMC has referred has always been positive, and included key areas where there have been gains, as well as sense of achievement.
Jo Morris
Behaviour Support Specialist
Who we've worked with
Donations
KickStart was founded to give back to our community. We regularly donate to other organisations doing good in our community and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
To enroll in our program, simply reach out to us through our website or contact information provided. We’ll guide you through the enrolment process and discuss your specific needs and goals.
Respite care provides temporary overnight relief for caregivers while ensuring participants receive quality support. You can learn more about our respite service here.
Yes, our mentors undergo specialized training to effectively support individuals with disabilities. They possess the skills, knowledge, and empathy necessary to provide meaningful assistance and encouragement. We also provide monthly training to ensure we are up to date with the most common practice standards.
Yes, the safety and well-being of our participants are our top priorities. We take comprehensive measures to ensure that all group activities are conducted in a safe and controlled environment. Our staff members are trained in first aid and emergency procedures, and we carefully assess and mitigate any potential risks associated with each activity.
Yes, we frequently collaborate with external healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care for our clients. This collaboration often includes consultations, referrals, and care teams to optimize our clients’ well-being. We believe in the power of teamwork and value the expertise that external healthcare professionals bring to the table.
In a world where expectations of individuals within society are constantly changing, many young people experience severe challenges within their lifestyles as they try to find a meaningful path on their life journey. Without guidance, young people, who are some of the most vulnerable members of modern society, can flounder and find themselves in a position that offers little hope for their future, searching for a helping hand that will reach out and help give them a sense of purpose and empowerment.
At Kickstart, we have a passion and an unwavering commitment to provide as much help as possible to young people, and offer a range of youth mentoring programs in Melbourne and across Victoria. Our services are provided for young people between the ages of 18 and 25 who have funding from NDIS or DHSS child protection orders, and we work in close collaboration with relevant professional agencies to identify and act upon the individual needs of our clients.
Our philosophy is founded on some core principles; patience and dedication – facilitating open relationships that will endure difficulties as they arise; integrity and safe relationships – we act as role models and set a high standard of trust and honesty within our relationships, and finally resilience and hope – we understand that there will be hurdles to overcome but we create a culture of hope and a positive mindset that can lead to a brighter future.
As a part of our NDIS youth mentoring services in Melbourne, we provide tailor made programs for each individual client, that are however based upon some general goal setting targets. Learning some basic life skills can often be a solid foundation – simple things like learning to cook or acquiring a driver’s license can make a profound difference to a young person’s life whilst improving vocational skills can radically increase their chances of finding meaningful employment. In addition, we place a strong emphasis on recreation and fitness which undoubtedly helps develop an empowered mindset and feelings of self-worth, but is often be overlooked as a powerful tool in helping young people.
Furthermore, we offer NDIS youth respite in Melbourne, providing limited respite for regular carers, of either a weekend or full week, that not only gives carers the opportunity for some relief but delivers a welcome change of scenery for the young person concerned. Our youth respite programs in Melbourne are customised to the needs and budget of each individual and can include camping and even interstate trips.
At Kickstart we have many years of experience working with at risk young people – those with substance abuse issues, behavioral challenges or physical disabilities. We value the need for a client focused service that allows us to build long term meaningful relationships with our troubled young people and understand the profound effect that our NDIS youth programs in Melbourne can have not just immediately, but going forward.
When you require dedicated and zealous NDIS youth services in Melbourne or elsewhere in Victoria, look no further than Kickstart, we are here for you.
In today’s complex and ever-changing society, it is not uncommon for young people to struggle with the trials and tribulations of growing and maturing in such an environment, and often, through no fault of their own can suffer significant disadvantage becoming increasingly vulnerable and in need of specialist help and guidance.
At Kickstart we provide individually tailored youth mentoring programs in Melbourne that are designed to help transform the lives of troubled youths, giving them a clear pathway to a positive future and replacing despair with hope.
Addressing three key areas – life skill goals, vocational goals and healthcare goals are the fundamentals of our NDIS youth mentoring in Melbourne, but equally important are the core values that we believe in and exercise, including patience, resilience, dedication and safe relationship building. This philosophy is manifested in the manner in which we value each and every one of our young clients – especially when things are not going well for them, we will treat them accordingly and help them understand that their worth as individuals surpasses any temporary setbacks or behavioural issues.
A key facet of our NDIS youth services in Victoria is the delivery of respite for our clients – which not only offers significant benefits to them, but also their usual full-time carers. Our NDIS youth respite in Melbourne can be either for a weekend or a full week and will provide both stimulating and meaningful activities for the client.
Please, do not hesitate to contact us to find out more about youth mentoring in Melbourne and Victoria.
An Outreach Program is generally considered to be an initiative that offers help, support and hope to members of society who, often through no fault of their own are deprived of certain services and rights that many of us take for granted. And at KickStart, we provide an Outreach based service for young people that has a focus on youth mentoring programs and respite solutions in Melbourne. Our work is undertaken with young people between the ages of 13 and 28 who are either under NDIS or subject to DFFS Child Protection orders, making them an extremely vulnerable section of society.
Through our established youth mentoring service in Victoria, we provide mentors who will be role models with whom our clients can develop strong relationships that will facilitate their own personal development and begin the process that will lead to their empowerment. Setting personal goals in all aspects of their lives, encourages our young clients to develop skills and strategies that will lead them towards being able to live full and meaningful lives within our society.
At KickStart, we have significant expertise and experience to match our ongoing passion and commitment to improve the lives of young people, no matter what difficulties are faced. Understanding the inherent value of each individual regardless of their troubles or circumstances is fundamental to our process and philosophy and is the starting point for many successful outcomes.
Should you need NDIS youth mentoring schemes in Melbourne or would like to take advantage of our respite service, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
our team at Kick Start, Melbourne have significant experience working within youth mentoring programs in Melbourne, and now bring our skills, expertise and passion together in a mission to positively impact the lives of young people between the ages of 13 and 28 that need that little extra help.
Building relationships that develop trust and enhance feelings of self worth and self confidence that allow young people to flourish and express themselves is at the heart of our youth mentoring program in Melbourne, Victoria and a range of tailored strategies are employed to optimise the chances of a meaningful future for our young clients.
Working with those under the NDIS or subject to Child Protection Orders, at Kick Start, Victoria we not only provide NDIS youth mentoring and programs in Melbourne, but also offer the sometimes undervalued NDIS youth respite In Melbourne, giving both the carers and young people a change from their normal routines – and a chance to recharge batteries too! In fact, our youth respite in Melbourne can be tailored for each individual with options such as camping, boat cruises and interstate trips on the agenda to ensure a meaningful and memorable experience is had by all.
If you require NDIS services in Melbourne, Victoria that promote positive role models displaying the vital qualities of trust, resilience and integrity and that always offer hope, patience and understanding, please do not hesitate to contact us here at Kick Start – we know that we can make a positive difference.
Whilst for many, Melbourne is considered to be one of the best cities to live in, there is a sector of the population that will probably fail to appreciate everything that is on offer, and that is those young people, who for a variety of reasons and circumstances have found themselves marginalised and detached from the rest of society.
Vulnerable and disadvantaged, often through circumstances beyond their control, these young people often lack any real sense of purpose, have difficulty in forming relationships and fail to recognise positives that the future may hold for them.
KickStart is an outreach service that provides youth mentoring in Melbourne and Victoria, offering marginalised young people the opportunity to develop transformative relationships with a team of committed mentors, by engaging on a highly personal level and also by taking advantage of a selection of activities that are organised on a frequent and regular basis.
With a creative approach to youth mentoring programs in Melbourne, KickStart underline their absolute commitment to the individuals with whom they engage, with their core philosophy based on the inherent value of the person, regardless of behaviour or actions that may ordinarily draw only negative responses. Reinforcing feelings of self-worth by demonstrating an unconditional level of trust and respect is often the key to building rapport and releasing these young people from the circle of despair that engulfs them.
Everyone has a role to play in society, for some it is just a matter of finding the key to unlocking their full potential.
Kickstart, based in Melbourne, is made up of a passionate and dedicated team whose sole purpose is to enhance the quality of life of young people who are disadvantaged or vulnerable, that are in need need of support and guidance.
Kickstart provide a range of youth mentoring programs in Melbourne, Victoria tailored to young people between the ages of 13 and 28 that are either apart of the NDIS or subject to DFFS Child Protection Orders. Consequently, they engage with a broad spectrum of young people, each with their own unique situations and circumstances.
Under the leadership of Director, Mark, who has an excess of ten years’ experience as a youth mentor, Kickstart employ a highly personalised approach to managing each participant’s needs, striving to achieve highly positive outcomes. The entire team at Kickstart believe in setting standards that the young people can look up to and respect, living out Kickstart’s values of integrity and honesty to build and nurture long-term trusting relationships which are the core of Kickstart’s services.
Alongside the varied programs they offer, Kickstart also provide NDIS youth respite in Melbourne, a highly valued facility that is of great benefit to the participants and their carers, providing quality time for the youth to make life-long memories and build rich relationships with their peers and mentors.
If you or someone that you care for would benefit from NDIS youth mentoring in Melbourne, make the first step by reaching out to Kickstart Victoria.
