Finding the right support at the right time can make all the difference for young people with disability. That’s exactly what Dylan Blackley from Support & Connect discovered when he noticed gaps in services across the Riverland—gaps that inspired him to expand beyond traditional NDIS support to offer two new programs that are already changing lives.
Meeting Young People Where They Are
When Dylan looked around the Riverland, he saw something important missing: young male counsellors who could really connect with younger clients.
“I noticed that there’s probably not any really young males out there that connect and bond with the younger kids,” Dylan explains. “So that’s sort of the gap I’m trying to fill.”
This realisation led him to pursue counselling studies about a year ago, combining his existing disability support qualifications with therapeutic skills. The result? A counselling service that feels different from traditional office-based approaches. Dylan’s clients might find themselves shooting hoops while talking through challenges, or having a comfortable chat on their own couch at home.
The mobile approach isn’t just about convenience—it’s about removing barriers. “A barrier would be parents not being able to bring their kids, or even just younger individuals above 18 that can’t get to an office,” Dylan says. Whether it’s visiting schools to work with students during their day or meeting families at home, the service adapts to fit into real life.
Real Impact, Real Stories
The difference this personalised approach makes is already showing. Dylan recently received a message from a mum after just eight sessions with her son. She wanted to share how much positive change she’d noticed since the counselling began. “It means we’re doing something right,” Dylan reflects. “And I hope that I can have some kind of impact like that on everyone.”
This kind of feedback reinforces why the service feels so needed. Young people, particularly young men, often struggle to find counsellors they can relate to and trust. Having someone who understands their world—and can meet them in their own space—makes opening up feel more natural.
From School to Work: The SLES Journey
The second new service addresses another crucial gap: helping young people with disability transition from school to work. SLES (School Leaver Employment Support) is a comprehensive year-long program packed with practical skills that many young people simply don’t get taught at school.
“Something that is quite scary—going from school to the workforce when you don’t have these skills,” Dylan explains. The program covers everything from why punctuality and appearance matter, to communication skills, body language, resume writing, and interview techniques. But it’s not just classroom learning—participants get hands-on experience through volunteer work, travel training, and real job applications.
Recently, SLES participants went pumpkin picking at a local farm, with the produce going to the local food bank. It’s volunteer work that teaches workplace skills while giving back to the community—exactly the kind of meaningful experience that builds confidence and connection.
Learning Through Real Life
A typical week in the SLES program, led by team member Brody, might start with team bonding and interactive learning sessions about workplace essentials. Then participants head out into the community to practice their skills—perhaps buying food from the local shops, where they can demonstrate clear communication and build confidence in everyday interactions.
The program maintains a one-to-four ratio, allowing for individual attention while building group dynamics. Each participant works toward their own career goals, whether that’s retail, hospitality, or something completely different. The program tailors cover letters, interview preparation, and job applications to match each person’s interests and strengths.
Building the Right Team
Both services reflect Support & Connect’s approach to finding team members who truly connect with the people they support. For counselling, Dylan looks for people who are “vibrant, personable, young”—counsellors who can relate to their clients’ experiences and build genuine rapport.
The SLES program is led by Brody, who Dylan describes as “amazing at what he does.” Brody brings creativity, genuine care, and a clear vision: he hopes each participant only needs the program for one year before moving confidently into employment, with ongoing support available for that next transition.
The team is also expanding to meet diverse community needs, with an Indigenous counsellor joining to specifically support Indigenous young people—recognising that cultural connection matters just as much as professional skills.
Looking Forward
Both services share the same goal-oriented approach that’s always defined Support & Connect. Whether it’s counselling that helps young people feel supported and heard, or SLES that provides essential workforce skills, everything comes back to what each individual wants to achieve.
“I just hope it benefits them as a person—their wellbeing, their mental health wellbeing,” Dylan says about the counselling service. For SLES, the aim is providing “the essential or fundamental skills they need to find and keep a job” while connecting participants with their local community.
Taking the Next Step
If you’re wondering whether counselling or SLES might be right for your family, Dylan’s advice is simple: get in touch. Both services are designed to be flexible and goal-focused, but they need to be the right fit for each person’s situation.
You can find detailed information about both programs on the Support & Connect website, or reach out directly to Dylan to discuss your family’s needs. Sometimes the best way forward is just having a conversation about what’s possible.
For young people in the Riverland, these new services represent something important: support that meets them where they are, helps them build the skills they need, and connects them with their community. Whether someone needs a safe space to talk through challenges or practical skills for their next life chapter, Support & Connect is there to help make it happen.
