4.8 Star Google Rating
NDIS Youth Mentoring in Melbourne That Builds Confidence and Independence
Kickstart provides one-to-one NDIS youth mentoring for young people aged 8–30 with disability and complex support needs across South-East Melbourne. Each young person is matched with a consistent mentor.
- Registered NDIS Provider
- Youth-Focused Support Aged 8–30
- 15 Years of Youth Leadership Experience
- Same Mentor Every Time
Find the Right Mentor
Leave your contact details and our team will get in touch to talk through mentor fit, goals and next steps.
- Trusted by leading organisations
- Real mentors, real experience
- Registered NDIS Provider
- Trusted by leading organisations
- Real mentors, real experience
- Registered NDIS Provider
- Trusted by leading organisations
- Real mentors, real experience
- Registered NDIS Provider
A Better Mentor Match Starts With a Conversation
Book a free conversation with the Kickstart team. We learn what your young person enjoys, what has and has not worked before, and what they need from a mentor. From there, we work toward a match built around personality, interests, goals and support needs.
What happens:
- One conversation with our team . no forms to fill in first
- We match your young person with the right mentor for their personality and needs
- Same-week intake available for new NDIS participants
- No obligation. No pressure. Just real answers from people who genuinely get it.
Not Just Another Support Worker
The right mentor is someone your young person can actually connect with. Kickstart focuses on relationship first, using shared interests and real-world activities to build trust before pushing goals. That consistency creates a stronger foundation for confidence, independence and practical progress.
What Families and Coordinators Say About Kickstart Mentoring
Trusted by families, coordinators and partner organisations across Victoria for relationship-based youth support and mentoring.
Highly recommend for this services. My son has been with kickstart for a while now. He has shown more confidence in himself. Talking and interacting with others has improved. The staff at kick start are very supportive and friendly.
Phun (Parent)
have saved my child, with the mentor program and weekly meetings, has made such an improvement to my child’s life.
Thank you to all of the team.
.
John (Parent)
We have been using Kickstart for our young people for 4+ years now. Is it always our go to for mentoring and community participation for our kids!
Sarah (Case Manager)
15+
Years of Youth Leadership Experience
8–30
Age Range Supported
12
Weeks Transformation Timeline
NDIS
Registered Provider
Why Families Choose Kickstart for Youth Mentoring
Youth Mentoring Specialists
Specialised one-to-one mentoring for young people aged 8–30 with disability, neurodivergence and complex support needs.
Matched Around the Young Person
We consider personality, interests, goals and support needs so the relationship has a genuine chance to work.
Consistency Builds Trust
A familiar mentor can build trust over time, making it easier to work on confidence, routines, community participation and independence.
What Youth Mentoring at Kickstart Actually Looks Like
Mentor Matching That Makes Sense
We look at interests, personality, goals and support needs so the young person is paired with a mentor they are more likely to genuinely connect with.
Real-World Activities
Mentoring happens out in the real world through activities that matter to the young person, from the gym and cooking to community access, hobbies and everyday routines.
Confidence & Social Connection
A good mentoring relationship gives young people a safe place to practise communication, try new things, build confidence and gradually become more comfortable in the community.
Consistency & Trust
Wherever possible, we keep the same mentor involved so the young person is not constantly starting again with someone new. Familiarity helps trust and progress build over time.
Practical Life Skills
Mentoring can work on cooking, money, routines, appointments, travel, employment preparation and other everyday skills in a practical, low-pressure way.
Pathways to Independence
As trust grows, mentoring can help a young person take the next step toward study, work, community participation, healthier routines and greater independence.
Organisations We've Worked With
Beyond Mentoring: Giving Back to Our Community
Kickstart was built around the belief that young people thrive when they feel connected to a strong community. We support organisations and causes that strengthen young people, families and communities beyond our own programs.
Meet Our Team
Mark is the founder and director of Kickstart Youth Services, leading with a passion for seeing young people grow in confidence, resilience, and independence. With over 12 years of experience working with youth, he’s committed to creating programs, camps, and mentoring opportunities that make a real difference. Fun fact: Mark can turn any moment into a teachable one (and will probably bring coffee to it). He loves time with his family, the outdoors, building businesses, and finding new ways to make an impact.
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.
A Kiwi-born Samoan living in Melbourne’s South-East, has been empowering youth to reach their potential for over a decade, always striving to grow as a mentor. As Kickstart’s Wellbeing Coordinator, he leads our day programs and works hands-on with young people, making a positive impact and inspiring them to set and smash personal goals. He loves seeing youth achieve their targets and enjoys taking them fishing or exploring the outdoors in his downtime. Let’s go!
I’m a devoted youth mentor, passionate about encouraging and empowering young people to grow, push past their limits and try new things. Outside of mentoring, I pursue my calling in music as K WAK where I rap and produce. I’ve never broken a bone and I love exploring all kinds of music, with rap and hip hop being my favourites. My biggest joys are creating and composing songs and enjoying comfort food like Greek gyros or Afghan kebabs.
Hey, I am Georgia. I’m passionate about working with young people and creating inclusive, engaging programs that support their growth and wellbeing. With a background in outdoor education, disability support, and youth mentorship, I specialise in building safe, empowering environments where individuals can thrive. I enjoy leading activities that build confidence and connection, and finding creative ways to make learning and development fun.
Hi, I’m Tim, I’m a Youth mentor here at kickstart. I have been granted with 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 with 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.
Glenn is passionate about empowering young leaders, helping them grow in both confidence and character. He thrives in the outdoors, camping, fishing, and playing sports, using these activities to build connection, resilience, and leadership skills. Fun fact: Glenn rides a Harley and loves Jesus. His go-to comfort food is Chinese, he enjoys gospel music, and finds joy in fishing and football.
As a youth mentor at Kickstart, I’m passionate about creating connection not only with our clients but also with their families. I firmly believe it takes a village to raise a child and that everyone plays a role in the betterment of the young people we serve. I play footy, love the gym and the outdoors, and have a strong passion for media, creating all of Kickstart’s social media content. Fun fact: I’m Batman. Always down for a chat!
Anthony is a dedicated youth worker passionate about helping today’s young people grow into tomorrow’s leaders. He loves supporting young minds to reach their potential through trust, meaningful interactions, and celebrating every achievement along the way. Outside of KickStart, Anthony channels his creativity into pro wrestling as his alter ego Tommy Hellfire, and enjoys the gym, hiking, meaningful conversations, and of course, chocolate.
Karl brings energy and creativity to Kickstart through his passions in soccer coaching, gaming, fitness, and acting. He’s driven by seeing young people grow—helping them build confidence, overcome challenges, and unlock their potential. Fun fact: Karl has appeared on Netflix. When he’s not mentoring, you’ll find him enjoying coaching, photography, exercising, acting, and gaming. He’s into classic music from the 70s to 00s and loves a quick, elevated curry as his go-to comfort meal.
Hey, I’m Muko! I love walking alongside young people during this exciting stage of life, helping them discover their spark and grow in confidence. For me, it’s about creating space where they feel encouraged, valued, and free to see just how much they have to offer the world. Outside of KickStart, you’ll usually find me on the football pitch or basketball court, out exploring nature, or in the kitchen baking banana bread — my ultimate comfort food.
Hi, I’m Jocelyn. I love getting creative! I’m a jewellery designer by trade and a youth worker as well.
I’m passionate about seeing young people grow into who they were created to be. I enjoy building connections, having fun together and helping young people discover their strengths.
Some of my favourite things are playing basketball, spending time outdoors and getting creative.
I’m a youth mentor who is passionate about helping young people get physically active in whatever way works for them. I love providing encouragement, seeing young people reach their goals and learning from them along the way.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends and being outdoors. I love travelling, photography and hiking.
My comfort food is a burrito bowl, and I’ll listen to anything and everything — I love the art of music.
I’m a youth mentor with six years of experience and a passion for walking alongside young people as they navigate life’s challenges and discover who they are.
My approach is compassionate, authentic and strengths-based. Whether I’m offering practical support, a listening ear or encouragement through a difficult season, I want young people to feel known, capable and equipped for the future. With a background in community development and experience in trauma-informed, relationship-based practice, I enjoy building genuine connections that help young people grow into their potential.
I was born in France and enjoy film photography, poetry, horse riding and paddleboarding. My comfort foods are Italian and Mediterranean, and my music rotation includes jazz, Christian indie and reggae.
I’m a youth mentor who loves helping young people build confidence in themselves. What I enjoy most is creating genuine connections and being someone they can look up to like an older brother, as well as a mentor.
Patience is one of my biggest strengths, and it helps me support each young person at their own pace. Boxing is an activity I enjoy and can share with participants.
Outside of work, I’m usually spending time with family or at church. I love Jesus, and during high school my favourite food was an HSP — I almost made it my whole personality!
I’m a youth mentor who loves helping young people achieve their goals, step outside their comfort zones and discover new opportunities. I enjoy supporting young people to build skills, explore their community and experience new things.
My strengths are building trust, staying calm when plans change, and encouraging young people to do things more independently. I’m patient, understanding and always looking for opportunities where confidence and new skills can grow.
Outside of work, I enjoy sports, hiking, camping, travelling, going to the gym and anything outdoors. Fun fact: I spent five months working in Japan. If you’re into travel or outdoor adventures, we’ll have plenty to talk about!
I’m a dedicated father, husband, brother and son. I have a background in youth services residential care, along with a wealth of knowledge from different trades and roles that have shaped me as a youth mentor. I love helping young people shape their lives, achieve their goals and work towards their full potential.
What I enjoy most is making a connection with young people and building positive relationships that support their goals and dreams. I love seeing young people recognise that their thinking and choices can help shape an outcome, then take positive action.
Outside of work, I enjoy playing golf and listening to soul, rock, pop, R&B, gospel, country and reggae. My comfort food is Samoan food. Fun fact: I’m older than I look!
My name is Anthony and I’m a father of three. I’ve worked professionally as a police officer and real estate agent, and I’m passionate about seeing people grow into the best version of themselves.
What I love most is seeing a young person begin to believe in themselves and recognise that they can achieve more than they previously thought possible.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading a good book and listening to relaxed music, from worship music to lo-fi beats. My comfort food is crinkle-cut salt and vinegar chips. Fun fact: I used to make aromatic products, including soy candles!
Hi, I’m Christine, an Executive Assistant at Kickstart. I love working behind the scenes—helping with scheduling, staying on top of admin and making sure things run smoothly so the rest of the team can focus on supporting our clients.
Outside of work, you’ll usually find me behind a camera, journalling, cooking something new or planning my next trip—with a museum visit always on the list. My two Labradors are never far away either.
Youth Mentoring Frequently Asked Questions
Kickstart supports young people aged 8–30 who benefit from consistent, relationship-based mentoring. This includes NDIS participants with disability, autism, ADHD, psychosocial or complex support needs, as well as young people who have struggled to connect with traditional support workers.
Where possible, yes. We take preferences such as gender, personality, interests and support style into account when matching. Availability can vary, so we will be upfront about the options we currently have and whether we believe the match is likely to work.
We start by learning about the young person, including their interests, personality, goals, support needs and what has or has not worked with previous supports. We then look for a mentor who is likely to be a strong relational fit rather than simply allocating the next available worker.
The NDIS does not fund a service simply because it is called mentoring. However, support that helps a participant build independence, daily living skills or community participation may be funded when it is an NDIS support and is in line with their plan, needs and goals. We can explain how Kickstart mentoring is delivered and work with the participant, family or Support Coordinator to confirm whether their funding can be used before supports begin.
Yes. Consistency is fundamental to our model. We build small, stable support teams so your young person sees the same familiar face — every time.
We provide one-to-one youth mentoring across our South-East Melbourne catchment area. If you are unsure whether we cover your suburb, contact our team and we can confirm availability and travel requirements before referral.
Yes. Our mentors are trained in trauma-informed practice, behaviour support plan implementation and complex needs support. We collaborate closely with behaviour support practitioners, healthcare professionals and child protection services.
Call us on 1800 229 736, email us directly, or use our online Get Started page. From there you can either complete a referral form or request a callback from our team. We will confirm receipt and be in touch within one business day.
Your Young Person Deserves a Mentor Who Shows Up. Every Time.
Free initial conversation. Same-week intake where available. Real mentors who build real relationships, with support focused on consistency, trust, confidence and practical progress.
KickStart acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways across Australia. We recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.
We are committed to supporting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in our care to connect to their cultures, countries and communities.
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