Dion Wales Mentoring
- Consistent, practical mentoring for boys and young men with Out of Home Care experience in Tweed Heads.
One-to-one support for young people aged 13–24, including those transitioning from foster or residential care and those involved with Youth Justice.
Together, we can build trust, confidence and practical skills for adult life through regular mentoring, shared interests and meaningful experiences.
About Dion
Hi, I’m Dion Wales, an independent mentor based in Tweed Heads. I have more than six years of experience across Out of Home Care, residential care, family support, Supported Independent Living and NDIS services.
I work with boys and young men to build confidence, develop resilience and practise the skills they need to move towards greater independence. My aim is to be a positive, consistent male role model and provide support at a pace that feels right for each young person.
Young people in care can experience changes in carers, caseworkers and support workers. I believe a dependable mentoring relationship can offer continuity through those changes and help a young person keep working towards their goals over time.
I was honoured to receive SIL Mentor of the Year at CASPA in 2023 for my commitment to supporting positive outcomes for young people.
My approach
Mentoring begins with building rapport and connection through regular time together, shared interests and positive activities. As trust grows, we can work on goals chosen with the young person.
Movement can be a useful way to support wellbeing, confidence and engagement. Sessions might include:
• Gym, fitness and boxing
• Running and outdoor activities
• Beach, rainforest and hiking walks
• Healthy routines and wellbeing activities
Sessions can also focus on community participation, independent living skills, education or employment—depending on what matters to the young person.
Mentoring and support
One-to-one mentoring
Regular, practical support, encouragement and positive role modelling to help young people build confidence, resilience and direction.
Independent living skills
Support to practise everyday skills, such as:
• Grocery shopping and meal preparation
• Budgeting and money management
• Household tasks and personal organisation
• Driving practice and road rules
• Goal setting and planning for the future
Community participation
Opportunities to connect with the community through activities such as fishing, sport, golf, rock climbing, local events, parks, cafés and social outings.
Wellbeing, education and employment
Support with healthy routines, fitness, journaling, weekly planning, career exploration, TAFE visits, resumes, job searching and interview preparation.
Mentoring can complement a young person’s case plan or disability related goals. With appropriate consent, I can work alongside carers, caseworkers, Youth Justice caseworkers, support coordinators and other supports. When clinical mental health support is needed, I’ll work with the young person and their support network to connect them with an appropriate service.
Who I support
My services are particularly suited to:
• Boys aged 13–17 and young men aged 18–24 with Out of Home Care experience
• Young people transitioning from foster or residential care
• Young people involved with Youth Justice
• Young people building confidence, motivation and independent living skills
• Young people interested in fitness, wellbeing and community activities
Qualifications and professional development
Qualifications
• Diploma of Community Services
• Certificate IV in Fitness
• Personal Trainer qualification
Training
• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI)
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
• Trauma-Informed Practice
• Medication Administration
• Child Protection and Mandatory Reporting
• Domestic Violence Awareness
• NDIS Worker Orientation Module
Clearances and insurance
• NDIS Worker Screening Clearance
• Queensland Blue Card
• NSW Working with Children Check
• First Aid and CPR
• ABN registered
• Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance
• Fully comprehensive vehicle insurance
- What people are saying
“Over the past four years, I have worked closely with Dion in his role as a Mentor and Support Worker. He has collaborated effectively with the NDIS-funded multidisciplinary team, medical practitioners, educators and other support professionals to provide coordinated support. During a particularly challenging period, Dion played a pivotal role in encouraging the young person he supported to engage with the mental health team and helping maintain continuity of care. He was a trusted person for the young man to connect with, and helped him stay engaged with therapeutic activities, appointments with mental health professionals and clinical assessments. Dion also takes an active role in stakeholder meetings, provides regular updates and shares feedback to help tailor support strategies. He has been a dedicated and essential member of the team, providing consistent, high-quality care for the past four years.”