Youth Mentoring and Respite in Melbourne
Supporting Young People to Grow in Confidence and Independence
250+ families
supported by our mentors since 2020
Rated 4.8 on Google
Organisations we’ve worked with
For parents and carers
You don’t have to carry this alone
Caring for a young person with complex needs is a lot. We give your young person a mentor they connect with, and give you real time to recharge.
“The amount of growth and positive change our family has seen in the 7 months since starting with Mark and his team is amazing.”
Michelle Payne
Mother of a participant
What we do
Specialised mentors for vulnerable and complex youth
Every young person is valuable. That belief drives everything our mentors do.
01
Trust first
Before goals or life skills, we build trust and a real connection.
02
Built around them
Support that suits each young person’s needs and preferences.
03
Confidence that lasts
We help young people take charge of their lives and see how much they’re worth.
Our approach
Trauma-informed mentoring that helps young people find purpose and direction.
Through one-to-one mentoring, respite and recreational activities, we build trust, set goals and create a plan that fits each person.
Who we are
Real people who show up
Kickstart is a team of mentors and youth workers led by our director Mark, who brings 15+ years in youth leadership and program development. We match every young person with someone they actually connect with.
How it works
Our simple three-step plan
01
Submit a referral
Tell us about your young person’s needs and goals.
02
Book a meet & greet
Meet our team, ask questions, and co-design a plan.
03
Watch them grow
See them grow in confidence and independence, at their own pace.
Our services
Support that fits your young person
Five ways we support young people aged 8 to 30: one to one, in small groups, out on activities, away on camp and overnight.
Youth mentoring
Specialised one-to-one mentoring for young people who need consistency, connection and practical support.
Kickstart Academy
A small-group program where young people build everyday skills, routine and confidence, alongside mentors they know and trust.
Group activities
Regular Saturday activities where young people connect, explore their interests and practise social skills with our team.
Camps
Overnight camps where young people try new things, make friends and practise independence, with mentors alongside them the whole way.
Respite and short-term accommodation
Overnight stays that give young people a great experience and give carers real time to recharge.
What they say
Case studies & testimonials
Mark is a calm and positive role model who provides consistency and predictability to young people who have experienced trauma.
SusanaSpecialist Family Violence Youth Consultant, Berry Street
It is always our go-to for mentoring and community participation support. Super helpful that they provide shift reports and attend care team meetings.
Sarah SimonisCase manager, residential care
The amount of growth and positive change our family has seen in 7 months is amazing. From disengaged to setting goals and enrolling in TAFE.
Michelle PayneMother of participant
My son has been with Kickstart for a while now. He has shown more confidence in himself, and talking and interacting with others has improved. The staff are very supportive and friendly.
PhunParent
The team at Kickstart have saved my child. The mentor program and weekly meetings have made such an improvement to my child's life.
JohnParent
Funding options
Ways to fund support
Most families use their NDIS plan (self-managed, plan-managed or NDIA-managed). Our services usually fit Core supports or Capacity building, depending on your plan. Not on the NDIS? Ask us about other options.
Ready to talk about your young person?
Call us or submit a referral, and our team will be in touch to plan the next step together.
Kickstart Youth Services · 24 Denham Crescent, Cranbourne North VIC 3977 · 1800 229 736