Mentorship that actually moves boys and men forward.
Melbourne Mentors provides structured, real-world support for boys and men navigating ADHD, autism, mental health challenges, and the kind of difficulties that don't always fit neatly into a clinical setting.
Who we’re for
If you're a parent, carer, or family member of a boy or young man who's struggling, and you've watched service after service fail to really reach him, you're in the right place.
We also work with adult men navigating addiction recovery, PTSD, social isolation, or simply a period of life where direction has gone missing.
Melbourne Mentors accepts NDIS funding
(self-managed and plan-managed) and private clients.
Who we are
Melbourne Mentors was built by Tim Knowles, a support worker, mentor, and someone who knows firsthand what it looks like to lose direction completely, and what it actually takes to find it again.
Tim's approach draws on his own experience recovering from serious mental health challenges, combined with years of hands-on support work and training in evidence-based frameworks including DBT and trauma-informed practice.
He knows what good mentorship can change. He has also seen what passive, disengaged support looks like, and what it costs the people who needed something real.
That gap is why Melbourne Mentors exists.
What we do
Our mentors work alongside participants in real life, not just in a room, not just ticking goals on a form.
Support looks different for everyone, but it typically involves:
Building routines and daily structure that actually stick
Developing confidence in social, work, and community settings
Education around ADHD, emotions, habits, and how the brain works
Physical activity and lifestyle support as part of mental health
Real-world skill building, the kind that creates independence over time
This isn't therapy. It isn't coaching.
It's consistent, grounded mentorship from someone who shows up with purpose, not just presence.
How it works
Our mentors are rigorously vetted, trained and monitored to ensure the highest possible quality of care, professionalism and consistency. 24/7 communication with management means participants always have a voice.
Before anything else, we take the time to properly understand your son, your situation, and what's actually needed. No assumptions. No standard template.
1. We start by listening
Participants are matched with a mentor based on fit, not just availability. Sessions are structured and purposeful, but flexible enough to meet people where they are.
2. We match and begin
Real change takes time and repetition. Our mentors show up the same way, every time, because consistency is often the one thing these young men have never had.
3. We build, consistently
The goal is always independence. As skills and confidence grow, support intensity reduces. We're not building reliance — we're building capability that lasts.
4. We step back gradually
Not sure if we're the right fit? That's okay.
Most families who reach out aren't sure yet. They're tired, they've been let down before, and they're cautious. That's completely understandable.
If you'd like to have a conversation — no pressure, no obligation — Tim will call you personally.
Prefer email? Reach us at tim@melbournementors.com.au
Tim is the founder of Melbourne Mentors.