Youth programs

Youth programs

Growing up and navigating the transition from school into young adulthood brings huge changes. For young people living with a disability, finding spaces to hang out, learn independence, and build genuine friendships on their own terms shouldn't be complicated.

Our Geelong and Melbourne teams run dynamic, youth-centred programs tailored for adolescents and young adults. We provide a supportive, judgment-free launchpad where young participants can explore their interests, pick up real-world life skills, and grow their confidence.

Engaging, youth-led mentoring and independence building

We don't believe in talking down to young people or running rigid, childish routines. Our mentoring is shaped around what actually interests youth—whether that's creative tech, music, fitness, or simply learning how to catch public transport independently with mates.

Our youth programs are built to adapt, and they strongly encourage:

  • Building authentic friendships with peers in welcoming, low-pressure spaces.
  • Gaining practical everyday life skills that prepare you for adulthood.
  • Developing the confidence to speak up for yourself and make your own choices.
  • Smooth, supported transitions out of secondary school.
  • Exploring hobbies, creative outlets, and local social scenes safely.
  • Fostering independence while respecting each individual's sensory boundaries.

Supports we offer

We design our youth support around activities and goals that matter to participants.

Social connection & community access

Getting out and discovering what your local area has to offer.

  • Supported group hangouts, cafe outings, movies, and gaming events.
  • Joining inclusive community sports clubs, recreation classes, or youth centres.
  • Weekend outings and holiday activities planned by the participants themselves.
  • Practicing public transport navigation and independent travel routes.

Life skills & future planning

Stepping stones toward greater independence.

  • Learning practical budgeting, shopping, and everyday meal preparation.
  • Mentoring around online safety, mobile communication, and social media habits.
  • Early preparation for vocational training, volunteering, or work transitions.
  • Building healthy habits, self-care routines, and personal wellbeing strategies.

Why choose OdysseyCare

OdysseyCare wasn't born in a boardroom. Leah, our founder, is a mum to four kids—one of whom is an NDIS participant. She got tired of generic, unfeeling services and built the company she spent years wishing she could find to give young people a fair go and genuine support.

Families and young participants stick with us because:

  • Support workers are carefully matched to share your vibe, hobbies, and interests.
  • Trauma-informed practice and emotional safety are built into every interaction.
  • We treat young people with respect, championing their autonomy and agency.
  • Practical, real-world skill building instead of repetitive classroom drills.
  • Consistent, reliable coverage across Geelong and Melbourne.

Frequently asked questions

Our youth programs typically support young people aged 12 to 25, with groups and mentoring carefully matched by age, interests, and developmental stages to ensure everyone feels comfortable.

Yes. If you already have a club, gym, or activity you want to attend, our support workers can go alongside you to provide hands-on assistance and social reassurance.

We offer both. You can start with dedicated 1:1 support to build confidence and independence, join small peer groups, or combine both approaches based on your NDIS goals.

NDIS funded support

Wondering about funding? Youth programs usually tap into your NDIS plan depending on your current goals.

Typically, these services fall under:

  • Core Supports: Assistance with social, economic and community participation.
  • Capacity Building: Increased social and community participation.
  • Capacity Building: Improved daily living skills.

If looking at your plan gives you a headache, don't stress. The team can sort out the service agreements and show you exactly how to make your funding work for your youth goals.

Important information

Getting things right from day one is crucial.

  • Talk to us. Share what you enjoy doing, what you want to learn, and how you prefer to be supported before we start.
  • We need the standard onboarding paperwork signed off.
  • Nobody gets a generic plan. We map out a personalised program tailored around what you actually want to achieve.

Getting started today

We are always keen to hear from participants, families, carers, or Support Coordinators. Looking for engaging youth support that helps you build your world? Give the friendly team a call today to ask a few questions or register your interest.