About SpeakUP

SpeakUP is a short-term coaching program designed to support young people who experience challenges in a range of different areas such as developing social connections and participation in community activities. The program helps students build confidence, develop social skills, and learn strategies to navigate social situations, form friendships, and feel more engaged in their school community. It aims to support young people to problem solve and identify ways that they can work toward and achieve a goal.

A Group Approach

Traditionally delivered online in a one-on-one format, SpeakUP is now being offered in a group-based, face-to-face delivery model for schools in the Inner West, thanks to funding from Inner West Council.

This group-based format is designed to promote peer collaboration, support social skill development in real-life school settings, and foster a sense of belonging among students. It also provides a practical framework to help students develop personalised social goals and strengthen their social-emotional skills in a supportive group environment.

As part of this collaboration, your school will nominate a Student Support Officer (SSO) or equivalent staff member to conduct regular student check-ins between sessions. This involvement not only reinforces learning during the program but also equips the SSO to provide ongoing support to students during the program and after the program concludes.

Participating staff and students will also contribute valuable feedback to help evaluate the program and its outcomes, ensuring it is refined and tailored for future use.

Program overview

The program combines fortnightly and/or weekly group sessions with regular individual check-ins to maximise student engagement and progress. It includes:

• Six interactive group sessions delivered face-to-face at the school by an experienced SpeakUP facilitator.
• Resources and guidance for the SSO, enabling them to run individual or small group check-ins between sessions to reinforce learning and provide support.
• Personalised social goals, developed collaboratively with students to address their unique needs and challenges.
• Practical activities and strategies, tailored to support students in improving their social interactions and emotional regulation.

This format ensures a well-rounded approach, balancing group learning with individualised attention.

Suggested program structure

The program combines structured group sessions with regular check-ins to ensure ongoing support and progress. Below is a summary of the key components:

• Introductory session with the SSO and Lifestart Facilitator: This meeting occurs before the group sessions commence, with the aim to introduce the programme and identify accommodations of participating students.
• SpeakUP group sessions: The SpeakUP facilitator will deliver six 50-minute sessions, held either weekly or once per fortnight. A 10-minute debrief session between the SSO and Lifestart facilitator following each in-person group session will also occur.
• SSO check-ins: The SSO will conduct one-on-one or small group check-ins with students between sessions to provide personalised coaching, reflect on progress, and help students refine their goals.

A more detailed suggested session plan is attached below.

What we provide

As part of the program, schools will receive:

• A qualified facilitator: An experienced SpeakUP Facilitator will lead the six group sessions.
• Tailored resources: Program materials designed to engage students and support their social-emotional development.
• Ongoing support through the program: Regular check-ins and collaboration with the school to ensure the program aligns with its goals and that the SSO has the tools and guidance needed to support students effectively.
• Evaluation support: Optional feedback or reporting on program outcomes to help measure its impact.

Cost

As part of a grant from the Inner West Council, we are able to offer this program to your school for free. This includes the below:

• Six face-to-face group sessions delivered by a SpeakUP facilitator.
• Tailored materials and resources for students.
• Guidance and tools for the SSO to conduct effective check-ins.

Who this would benefit

This program is designed to support students who experience challenges with confidence and social interactions, including neurodivergent young people. The program helps students develop confidence, skills, and strategies to navigate social situations, build friendships, and feel more engaged in their school community. This program would also suit those who would benefit from additional support in these areas but are currently not accessing or unable to access additional supports like therapy supports through the NDIS.

We are excited about the opportunity to work with your school for this group-based format of the SpeakUP program. If you have any questions, require further details, or would like to proceed, please don’t hesitate to contact us using the form below or contacting Will Widjaja on williamwidjaja@lifestart.org.au

Suggested session plan

This session plan serves as a guide and can be adjusted throughout the program to meet the needs of the group and their progress.

Prior to the program beginning, a meeting can be arranged between the Lifestart facilitator and the school SSO to discuss the group, as well as any questions regarding the program.

Proudly delivered by Lifestart