Strong Foundation Support helps people build the skills, confidence, and understanding to live more independently.

Our Capacity Building and Peer Mentoring Program is designed for participants who want practical, hands-on support not just advice.

It’s about bridging the gap between what people learn in therapy and how they live every day. We focus on applying strategies in real life in the home, the community, and everyday situations.

Whether someone wants to improve communication, create better daily routines, or understand their NDIS plan more clearly, this program provides structured, personal guidance every step of the way.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Capacity Building and Peer Mentoring

It’s a practical, skills-based approach that helps participants understand themselves, their goals, and the systems around them.

Through one-on-one sessions, we work with each person to:

• Identify areas they’d like to grow in emotional, social, or practical.
• Set small, realistic goals that fit their daily life.
• Build structure and confidence through guided practice and reflection.

The program combines capacity building developing new life skills and knowledge with peer mentoring, which adds lived experience, understanding, and relatability. It’s not about telling people what to do; it’s about walking beside them until they can do it themselves.

1. Local Knowledge and Personal Connection
Strong Foundation Support is based in Cairns, with local insight into community services, providers, and cultural diversity across Far North Queensland.

We know the area, the systems, and the people. This helps us connect participants with the right supports and opportunities close to home.

2. Plain-Language Approach
Many people feel overwhelmed by NDIS terms, reports, and funding rules.
We simplify the process explaining how your plan works in everyday language so you can make decisions confidently.

3. Lived Experience
Peer mentoring works because it’s based on understanding. We know what it’s like to face barriers, feel stuck, or not know where to start. Our approach comes from both professional and personal experience, which builds trust and comfort in every session.

4. Focus on Real-World Outcomes
We don’t just talk about skills we apply them. Whether it’s using public transport, handling conflict, or managing appointments, we help participants practice skills in the settings that matter.

5. Collaboration with Other Supports
This program complements therapy, support coordination, and clinical work. We reinforce the lessons learned in those settings by helping participants apply them in daily life.

WHO IT’S FOR
The Capacity Building and Peer Mentoring Program is for anyone wanting to build independence, confidence, and self-understanding especially when life feels confusing or overwhelming.
It’s ideal for:

• Young people transitioning to adulthood who want help building daily routines and confidence.
• Adults learning to manage their own supports and make informed decisions.
• People living with mental health conditions, autism, or psychosocial disability who want to build emotional regulation, communication, and planning skills.
• Participants who want more practical, person-centred help not just clinical sessions.
• Families and carers who want their loved ones to develop stronger independence and community connection.

Referrers such as Support Coordinators, Psychologists, OTs, and Plan Managers often recommend this program to participants who need extra guidance between therapy sessions especially when the goal is long-term skill development and everyday confidence.

It’s a collaborative approach that helps participants get more value out of every support in their plan.

Case Example 1: Building Confidence Through Routine

When “Sarah” joined the program, she was struggling with anxiety and a lack of structure in her day.
Over 12 weeks, we worked together to create a daily routine, break down tasks into smaller steps, and build confidence through repetition.

By the end, she was managing her mornings independently, attending appointments on time, and starting to explore part-time work options.

Case Example 2: Turning Understanding Into Action

“Michael” wanted to get more out of his NDIS plan but found the system confusing.
We went through his plan together, identified his goals, and helped him talk to his providers about how supports could align with what he actually wanted to achieve.

Now, he feels confident asking questions, reviewing invoices, and making changes when things aren’t working.

Case Example 3: From Isolation to Connection

“Jess” felt disconnected from her community and spent most of her time at home. Through mentoring, we explored safe ways for her to build social confidence. We started small one short walk to the café, then joining a local hobby group.
Now, she attends a weekly community program, feels proud of her progress, and says she finally feels part of something again.

For Referrers and Professionals

Support Coordinators, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, and Plan Managers often refer participants who need structured, practical help.
Strong Foundation Support keeps communication clear and professional.

We can:

• Provide updates on participant progress (with consent).
• Align mentoring goals with therapy and support plans.
• Reinforce clinical strategies in everyday environments.
• Help participants become more engaged, independent, and confident in managing their supports.

This collaborative approach reduces overlap, builds stronger participant outcomes, and supports a more sustainable pathway toward independence.