Youth Mentoring and Alcohol and Drug Support (Ages 15–25)
Supporting Young People to Build Stronger Futures
Adolescence and early adulthood can be a challenging time. Many young people face pressures related to identity, relationships, mental health, involvement with the justice system, and exposure to alcohol and other substances. At Waverley Counselling, we provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where young people aged 15-25yrs can feel heard, understood, and empowered to make positive changes. Our support workers have a lived experience is invaluable in supporting affected clients, helping to create genuine resonance, trust, and meaningful connection.
Our Approach
We take a compassionate and practical approach to Youth Mentoring and Alcohol and Other Drug Counselling. Our focus is on building trust, strengthening self-awareness, and supporting young people to develop healthier coping strategies, harm minimization and strength-based coaching.
We understand that every young person’s experience is unique. Our sessions are tailored to meet each individual where they are at—whether they are seeking guidance, feeling overwhelmed, navigating legal challenges, or wanting to make changes in their substance use. Our workers provide a non-judgmental, practical and youth friendly approach.
Alcohol and Other Drug Counselling
We provide alcohol and drug counselling for young people in a supportive space where they can explore their relationship with substances without fear of judgment or shame.
Support may include:
- Understanding patterns of alcohol and drug use and underlying triggers
- Developing healthier coping strategies
- Reducing or ceasing substance use
- Managing peer pressure and social influences
- Building motivation for positive change
- Supporting young people in recovery to stay focused and committed to their goals
Our approach to youth drug and alcohol support is collaborative and respectful, focusing on harm minimisation, relapse prevention, and long-term wellbeing. Our alcohol and other drug (AOD) workers in Glen Waverley and Wheelers Hill are certified AOD practitioners who all bring lived experience. This lived experience is invaluable in supporting affected young people, helping to create genuine resonance, trust, and meaningful connection.
Youth Mentoring
Our youth support and counselling services provides guidance, encouragement, and consistent support during a tough time in their life. We work alongside young people to:
- Build confidence and self-esteem
- Improve emotional awareness and decision-making
- Strengthen communication and relationship skills
- Assist with Relapse Prevention
- Navigate challenges at school, work, home, or within the community
- Set realistic goals and create a sense of direction
Our youth support and counselling service in Glen Waverley and Wheelers Hill focus on early intervention, relapse prevention planning, building resilience, and supporting young people to remain engaged in education, employment, and positive life pathways. Our service provides a safe and supportive environment where young people are able to share their experiences openly. We prioritise duty of care, dignity of risk and self-determination. We offer genuine connection, providing guidance, encouragement, and consistent support to ensure each young person feels heard and has someone in their corner.
Supporting Young People Navigating the Justice System
We support young people who are involved with, or at risk of entering, the youth justice system. This can be a confusing and highly stressful experience, making early intervention essential. Many young people navigating police, court processes, and the broader justice system experience significant distress. Waverley Counselling support workers offer calm, practical, and confidential support to help them understand the process, reduce anxiety, and make informed decisions. We assist young people to:
- Managing anxiety around court processes
- Reflect on behaviours and decision-making
- Develop accountability and insight
- Build skills to reduce reoffending
- Engage positively with support services and legal processes
Where appropriate, we can provide counselling reports and progress updates for courts, lawyers, and other professionals, with the young person’s consent.
Supporting Families
When a young person is struggling with alcohol or drug use and involvement in the justice system, the impact on families can be overwhelming. Parents and loved ones often experience stress, worry, frustration, and a sense of helplessness as they try to support someone they care deeply about.
We recognise how difficult and complex this experience can be. Families are often navigating emotional strain alongside practical challenges, including legal processes and concerns about their young person’s wellbeing and future.
We provide family support by:
- Offering a safe space to talk openly about their experiences
- Providing guidance on how to support their young person effectively
- Helping families understand substance use, behaviour, and risk factors
- Strengthening communication and boundaries within the family
- Supporting families to manage stress and maintain their own wellbeing
Supporting families is a vital part of recovery. When families feel supported, informed, and empowered, they are better equipped to support their loved one and contribute to positive, lasting change.
A Safe and Respectful Space
We recognize that reaching out for support can be challenging. Our priority is to create an environment where young people feel safe, respected, and genuinely supported.
We work at a pace that feels comfortable for everyone, ensuring they feel in control of their own journey. We take the time to listen, understand their experiences, and build trust through open and honest conversations. Every step is collaborative—we work alongside each young person, not ahead of them.
Who We Support
We work with young people aged 15–25 who may be experiencing:
- Alcohol or drug use concerns
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or depression
- Involvement with, or risk of entering, the youth justice system
- Behavioural challenges or difficulty managing emotions
- Relationship or family conflict
- Lack of direction, motivation, or confidence
- Life transitions, including school, work, or family changes
Why Choose Support Workers Privately
versus the Public System
Choosing private alcohol and other drug (AOD) support and youth mentoring can offer a more personalized, responsive, and consistent level of care compared to the public system. While public services play an important role, they are often under significant demand, which can lead to long waiting times, limited session availability, and less flexibility in how support is delivered.
Private services provide timely access to support, allowing young people and families to engage when they are ready—without unnecessary delays. Early intervention is critical, particularly in AOD and youth justice contexts, and being able to access help quickly can make a meaningful difference in outcomes.
Another key benefit is the continuity of care. In private settings, young people are more likely to work with the same support worker or mentor on their journey, enabling the development of trust, rapport, and a deeper understanding of their individual circumstances. This consistency is essential for meaningful engagement and long-term change.
Private AOD support workers and youth mentors are also able to offer a more flexible and tailored approach. Support can be adapted to suit the young person’s needs, whether that involves outreach in the community, practical assistance, or more intensive one-on-one engagement. Sessions are not restricted by rigid system requirements, allowing for a more holistic and client-centered experience.
Importantly, private services often provide a more discreet and confidential pathway to support. For some young people and families, this can reduce stigma and make it easier to seek help early, before issues escalate.
Ultimately, private AOD support and youth mentoring prioritise the individual—meeting them where they are, working at their pace, and providing consistent, relationship-based support that fosters trust, resilience, and positive change.
Get In TouchWhy Choose Waverley Counselling
Our mission is to empower young people to make safer choices, build confidence, and create a future they feel proud of. We provide non-judgmental, trauma-informed alcohol and other drug (AOD) counselling that meets young people where they are, honors their voice, and helps them recognize their strengths, resilience, and capacity for change.
If you are seeking youth mentoring, alcohol and drug counselling in Glen Waverley, Wheelers Hill, and the surrounding south-east suburbs, Waverley Counselling is here to support you.
To make an enquiry or book an appointment, please contact us today.