Youth services for young people aged 12–25.
Every young person deserves to feel seen, supported, and empowered to choose their path. Our youth support services help young people navigate relationships, school, alcohol and drug use, housing and community connection.
Connecting young people to the support they need
How we support young people in Victoria.
Uniting offers a diverse range of free and inclusive support services for young people aged 12–25 across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. Our teams are trained to understand the complex experiences young people face today—whether that’s family conflict, alcohol and other drug use, housing instability, mental health, or barriers to education. We’re committed to creating safe, respectful spaces where you can explore your goals, access practical support, and build a future that feels right for you.
Our youth services
We offer a range of youth-focused programs across Victoria, many tailored to the needs of specific communities. So, whether you (or a loved one) are navigating change, facing challenges, or looking for guidance, we’re here to walk alongside you. Here’s a snapshot of what’s available:
Youth Mentoring
Our mentoring services for youths focus on confidence, life skills, and connection with supportive adult role models. Available in short- and long-term formats, they’re built to match each young person’s interests and needs.
School Engagement
For young people who have fallen out of the school system, our school engagement programs provide outreach, tailored plans, and advocacy to support their return to learning.
LGBTIQA+ Support
Through safe spaces and peer-led groups, the Diversity Project supports gender and sexually diverse young people to explore identity, build connection, and feel celebrated for who they are.
Youth alcohol and other drug services
These drug and alcohol youth services help young people navigate substance use with compassion and structure, offering detox (withdrawal) programs, ongoing recovery support, and life skills education.
Youth mental health & wellbeing
We offer confidential mental health youth services, early intervention, and referrals to specialist services.
Youth homelessness and housing support
Our programs help young people at risk of homelessness by offering early, person-centred support. Through counselling, advocacy, and family mediation, we work to strengthen relationships, rebuild trust, and connect young people with housing, education, and wellbeing services before things reach a crisis point.
Reconnect New Arrival Support (NAYS) in Shepparton
NAYS helps newly arrived young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds build strong foundations in their new home. Through cultural connection, case management, and advocacy, this multicultural youth support service helps navigate everything from language barriers to community engagement, making sure every young person feels seen and supported.
Family, home and housing
School and social support
Alcohol and other drugs
Mental health and wellbeing
Get help near you
Looking for support in your area? Explore our locations to connect with your nearest Uniting office. You’ll find local contact details and information on how to access youth services close to home.
Common questions about our youth services
Who can access Uniting’s youth services?
Young people aged 12–25 years living in Victoria can access our services. Some programs are tailored to specific needs or communities, like newly arrived migrants or LGBTIQA+ youth.
In Tasmania we offer non-residential rehabilitation for young people in Hobart and parenting support in Launceston.
Do I need a referral to use these services?
Most services can be accessed directly without a referral from a healthcare professional, but some – like residential care – requires a referral from a GP or another agency. If you’re unsure, call us on (03) 9192 8100.
Are your services free?
Yes, many of our services are free, and others are low-cost. If there’s any cost involved, we’ll let you know before you begin a program.
Is the support confidential?
All services are private and confidential, with some exceptions if there’s a risk of harm. We won’t share any of your information with anyone else unless you provide consent for us to do so. We’re committed to creating youth-safe, respectful spaces.
Can I get support for someone else?
Yes. If you’re a friend, family member, or a healthcare professional supporting a young person, you can reach out to us to help connect the young person with support.
What areas of Victoria do you cover?
Our youth services are available across metro Melbourne and regional Victoria, including Shepparton. Use our service locator to find what’s available near you.
Can I get help with more than one issue?
Many young people access multiple services, like youth and family counselling services, mediation, and mental health support. Our staff work with you to create a support plan that reflects all your needs and will help you understand and work towards your goals.
