About Melanie:

I had a wonderful childhood, but like most young people, I faced difficult stages of uncertainty after trauma. And had to overcome in my own unique way. Thankfully I found my way, and I wanted to continue to strengthen my ability to cope with life's adversities as they occurred. I found a course that clicked with my strengths and passions. And by the end of my course, I wanted to support others going through their own traumatic experiences, and find comfort within their minds, that life after trauma is possible.

 

I studied Counselling and then later Youth Work. I worked for a couple of different youth services between 2009 and 2012, and during that time I had noticed a different brand of counselling was needed, and that our area lacked therapeutic services for the significantly disengaged young people. This never sat well with me, and after going on maternity leave, I wanted to still help the young people struggling within our society.

 

I decided to create my own support service, tailored around therapeutic youth work and created South Coast Nurturing.

 

The first school I approached with this model really connected to it and I was given a handful of At Risk young people to work with. I then started to successfully engage and maintain my client’s week after week, and was getting and maintaining a successful engagement rate of over 92%.

 

My case load grew, and so South Coast Nurturing has continued to grow from this point on. 

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I am passionate about supporting disengaged youth on the Fleurieu Peninsula. I have spent the years since successfully engaging over 92% of youth with complex needs. Youth, who have been disengaged for years, have grown to trust me and believe in themselves again. I have been able to work my clients to help them identify goals and develop a plan for addressing and overcoming their barriers.

 

I engage clients by using advanced communication skills, interpersonal skills and an intense sense of justice and fairness to others. My counselling practice is driven by a restorative justice framework that has continually proven effective with the disengaged youth that I have had the privilege to support over the years. Utilizing my Therapy Animals during the process 'when required' has added a beautiful  modality and sense of calm and enjoyment for participants, during the process.

 

I provide intensive, nurturing and assertive one-on-one counselling and mentorship. My professional approach is to utilise my experience, understanding and support to assist highly complex, disengaged youth that potentially haven’t yet developed the skills and tools to help themselves, and who have not yet given themselves the opportunity to grow positively on their life journey. Through my developed counselling experience, I re-engage them with their local community and on to further learning or employment. 

 

I have steadily grown my business since 2013, and thoroughly enjoy what I do, finding satisfaction from the support I provide and the growth I witness in my clients during their engagement with South Coast Nurturing.

 

I feel blessed to have such an amazing network around me and honestly feel the local community is developing each year in supporting our at risk young people. Youth that simply need a genuine mentor to stand with them on this journey, through the very difficult teenage years.

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~ Melanie Jolley

South Coast Nurturing

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