Mentoring
I have spent the past 10 years working in school-based settings supporting young people navigate the challenges in their lives. Being a member of a school wellbeing team, I have extensive experience in supporting young people with their wellbeing and mental health.
I have experience in supporting neurodivergent young people with ASD, PDA, ADHD and BPD. I have lived experience in supporting a family member who is neurodivergent. I have experience with supporting families with school refusal, home schooling and inconsistent attendance.
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I have extensive experience in supporting young people with anxiety and depression and working along health professionals to develop an approach that best supports the young person.
Mark works from a trauma informed background, has a restorative approach and has completed SMART Training from the Australian Childhood Foundation. Mark is an LGBTIQ+ ally and has run programs for queer youth.
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NDIS support.
I have worked with families and young people to help develop social and emotional skills and awareness. Through walking alongside young people, I understand the many challenges young people with a disability face in navigating their life. I value working with families and on strengthening the relationships young people have with their care givers and community.
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Social and Emotional awareness
Mentoring allows young people to gain a greater understanding of their emotions, moods and decisions by reflecting on their experiences. To be able to talk through real life situations, to ask questions and reflect on what they would do differently next time allows young people greater agency over their social and emotional development.
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Building a Community of Care
Young people need to know who the people in their life are that they can seek support from when things are hard. With conflict between Mum/ Dad or caregiver, often being a temporary feature of the teenage years, identifying and reaching out to a community of care is crucial to help them navigate life's challenges. Uncles, Aunties, coaches, friend's parents often play this role well.
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Connection and safety
Young people will only engage with things if they feel safe and if they trust the process. Talking with someone they don't know in an office setting is often a deal breaker to engagement. Restored Connection Mentoring aims at keeping the barriers to engagement low. Sitting in your backyard, kicking a footy, going for a walk. Creative and safe ways to helping young people talk about what is important in their life.
