It’s not therapy. It’s not traditional support work. So what is disability mentoring — and is it right for you?
👥 Mentoring Is About Walking Beside, Not Above
Disability mentoring is a type of NDIS support that focuses on confidence, connection, and capability — not just getting things done. It’s about helping you work toward your goals in a way that feels guided, supportive, and empowering.
Unlike therapy (which is clinical) or standard support work (which is task-focused), mentoring is more about partnership. Your mentor is someone who walks beside you, encourages you, and helps you build the skills and mindset to move forward.
🧠 What Does a Disability Mentor Do?
At Heartfelt Support, our mentors support participants in many different ways — depending on what each person wants to achieve. That might include:
- Helping someone set goals and track their progress
- Encouraging independent decision-making
- Supporting people to take on new challenges
- Providing a sounding board for emotional wellbeing
- Assisting with problem-solving or planning
- Helping someone connect socially or try new things
A mentor might meet with someone weekly, fortnightly, or as needed — it’s flexible, person-led, and always focused on growing together.
🧩 How Is Mentoring Different From Therapy or Support Work?
| Support Work | Mentoring | Therapy |
|---|---|---|
| Helps you complete daily tasks | Helps you build confidence and direction | Helps you address clinical or psychological issues |
| Often task-focused (e.g. shopping, transport) | More about connection and growth | Delivered by qualified clinicians |
| Can be ongoing or short-term | Often goal-oriented and time-limited | Structured sessions, usually funded under therapy |
💡 Many people choose mentoring alongside other supports, including therapy and daily assistance.
🐎 Mentoring With a Twist: Horses, Art, and Connection
At Heartfelt Support, we believe mentoring should be engaging and enjoyable. That’s why some of our most popular mentoring sessions happen outside the usual four walls — and often include a creative or animal-assisted element.
Some participants choose:
- Horse-Centred Wellbeing – mentoring sessions that include caring for and interacting with horses
- Art and Music Mentoring – using creative activities as a way to build trust and explore feelings
- Mentoring through outings, coffee catch-ups, or short bushwalks
- Practical mentoring around budgeting, socialising, or goal-setting
It’s not one-size-fits-all. We co-design the experience with you.
💬 Real Mentoring, Real Outcomes
“I didn’t need therapy — I just needed someone in my corner. My mentor helped me set up my days, talk through the hard stuff, and actually believe I could take steps again.”
– Participant, 39
🧾 Is Disability Mentoring Covered by the NDIS?
Yes — depending on your goals and how your plan is set up, mentoring may be funded under several NDIS line items, including:
- Capacity Building – Development of Daily Living and Life Skills
(Line item: 15_037_0117_1_3) - Core – Assistance with Social and Community Participation
(Line item: 04_104_0125_6_1)
Mentoring may also be delivered as part of psychosocial recovery coaching, depending on your individual support plan.
💡 Not sure what’s included in your plan? We’re happy to help you figure it out.
🌱 Who Is Mentoring For?
Mentoring can be a great fit for people who:
- Feel stuck or need a little push in the right direction
- Want emotional support but don’t need formal therapy
- Are working on life goals like getting a job, trying new things, or becoming more independent
- Prefer informal, friendly conversations over clinical sessions
- Want a supportive relationship without judgment
We offer mentoring for teens, young adults, and older adults — and we adjust the style and structure to suit your preferences.
🧭 Ready to Try a Different Kind of Support?
If you’re looking for something that’s more than task support but less formal than therapy, mentoring might be exactly what you need.
👉 Contact us to ask about disability mentoring, or
👉 Read about our other support services
👉 Learn more about our Horse-Centred Wellbeing sessions