Learn All About Futures Mentors, availabilities and more

My name is Matt and I am the Founder, Director and a Mentor at Futures Mentoring Services.

I grew up on Kangaroo Island, surrounded by nature, adventure and the kind of hands on experiences that teach you more than any classroom ever could. Those early years outdoors shaped who I am and they are a big part of why I created Futures Mentoring Services, to share those same opportunities, challenges and moments of growth with others.

I started working young. At 15 I was in a pizza shop and by 16 I had jumped ship into a deckhand role. I also spent time on a crayfishing boat which was a massive wake up call about responsibility and hard work. At 17 I moved to Adelaide, the big smoke, and had to navigate crowds, new places and new challenges with very little support. I know firsthand how overwhelming that can feel and it is why I am passionate about being that steady support person for others.

I became a roof plumber at 17 and stayed in that trade for 11 years before shifting into mentoring in 2017. After a year I moved into Residential Care where I spent six years as a Youth Worker and two years as a Senior Youth Worker. That is where I discovered my passion for sharing life experiences, teaching outdoor skills and helping young people build confidence through real world activities.

I have seen how powerful it is when participants get outdoors, fishing, camping, walking trails, exploring beaches, cooking on coals or simply discovering what is in their own backyard. The stories, the smiles and the sense of achievement never disappoint.

Outside of work I am happiest fishing, crabbing, yabbying, camping, beach driving, riding my Harley, checking out local bakeries or exploring new places. I also enjoy gaming, Pokémon chats, Timezone battles and a good anime or series marathon on my downtime. Self care does not always have to be outdoors. Variety and balance are important for healthy mental wellbeing. Most mornings you will find me in an ice bath before heading to the gym, starting the day with something challenging and grounding.

I started Futures Mentoring Services so I could combine my life experience, my passion for the outdoors and my commitment to helping people grow. Our team specialises in outdoor based mentoring, social and community engagement and building independent living skills. If you or someone you know could benefit from what we offer, click the contact button. We would love to hear from you.

Scroll down to meet the Futures Mentors and see what we are all about.

Qualifications:

• Certificate IV- Child, Youth Family Intervention 
• First aid/CPR
• ASIST Suicide Intervention Training.
• Child safe environments "through their eyes"
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Awareness Training
• NDIS Worker Modules

My Current availabilities are: 

• By negotiation pending location
• Running Monthly Weekday, Saturday and Sunday group sessions

Thanks Matt.

Hi,

My name is Kris.

I grew up in Adelaide and have spent most of my life here, and I’m currently based in the northern suburbs.

Before moving into the community sector, I worked in production and logistics roles. While I enjoyed the work, I wanted a career where I could make a more meaningful difference in people’s lives. My interest in mental health and personal development led me to study Youth Work, which opened the door to a career I am genuinely passionate about.

Over the past 3 years, I have worked as a mentor, supporting people to achieve their goals, build confidence, and develop skills that help them become more independent. One of the things I enjoy most about mentoring is getting to know each person individually and helping them identify their strengths and interests. It is rewarding to see people challenge themselves, try new experiences, and grow in confidence over time.

I enjoy getting outdoors with participants and creating opportunities to step outside of their comfort zone in a supportive way. Whether it is exploring new places, trying different activities, or having meaningful conversations while out and about, I believe these experiences can help build confidence, communication skills, and motivation.

Outside of work, I’m really into technology and computers and enjoy learning how things work and trying new ideas. I also enjoy DIY projects and home improvements, from fixing things around the house to restoring old furniture or building useful items from reclaimed materials. I like hands-on work and the process of turning ideas into something practical.

I also spend a lot of my time with my wife and two young children and enjoy being involved in their development through the activities we do together. As a family, we enjoy getting outdoors hiking, exploring nature, reading novels together, playing board games, visiting playgrounds, and going fishing.

I look forward to supporting participants on their journey and helping them build confidence, achieve their goals, and create positive experiences along the way.

Qualifications:

• Certificate IV- Youth Work
•  Certificate III - General Education For Adults. 
• First aid/CPR
• ASIST Suicide Intervention Training.
• Child safe environments "through their eyes"
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Awareness Training
• NDIS Worker Modules

My current availabilities are:

• Tuesday 3:30pm to 7pm
• Friday 3:30pm to 7pm
• Saturday fortnightly 8am - 3pm
• Running Monthly Sunday group sessions

Thanks,

Kris. 

Hi I am Adrian Smith. 

I have lived in Adelaide most of my life, I was born in the UK and immigrated with my parents and sister in 1968. 

We lived in Whyalla for a couple of years before having to move to christie Downs due to my mum’s asthma. I went to St John catholic primary school before attending christie Beach high until year 11. 

I then joined the army but was discharged after a year as I got injured in training. 

I worked at Mitsubishi motors both Lonsdale and Tonsley where I was working on the line and have also been security at both plants. 

I have worked in the personal support sector for 16 years with DHS state government. 

I am now working with a private company assisting young kids with daily life and activities. 

I also support people with acquired brain injuries to help them with their mental health and daily living. 

I am a very good listener and talker. I am currently looking at completing a mental health certificate and other certificates to assist me in every way possible. 

I have 2 adult children who each have 3 kids of their own giving me awesome grandchildren. 

All together my wife and I have 10 grandchildren between us.

Some of my hobbies include being outdoors, surfing, fishing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, Camping, 4WDing. 

I am also very interested in martial arts, i currently hold a 4th dan black belt in traditional karate and currently training in Ju jitsu and Love taking the Harley out for a ride and riding with mates.

Qualifications:

• Certificate III Disability
• Certificate III Government 
• First aid/CPR
• LGBTIQ Inclusive communities Benefit everyone training.
• Child safe environments "through their eyes"
• NDIS Worker Modules

My current availabilities are: 

South of city to Fleurieu Peninsula - Up to Salisbury North optional.

• Monday 6am -8pm fortnightly 
• Wednesdays 11am - 5pm fortnightly
• Friday 11am - 2pm (fortnightly)

Thank you,

Adrian.

Hi! My name is Rob.

I grew up in country towns in South Australia and moved to the city when I was 18.

I have worked doing security for four or five nightclubs in and around Hindley Street and it was a BLAST! I got to meet some amazing people and listen to the best music and get paid for it. 

I've also done construction work, driven HR trucks and scooted around on forklifts.

I've had a passion for martial arts since I was a kid and I now have two Black Belts. I've taught kids and adults and it was an amazing experience watching people improve and seeing their confidence and self worth growing all the time.

I've been into physical fitness for a very long time and am very dedicated to keeping myself healthy. I've been a bodybuilder, a powerlifting champ as a school kid and now I hit the gym four days a week to stay in shape. I've enjoyed experimenting with the carnivore diet, got what I wanted from it and now have gone back to a more normal way of eating. I've helped people reach their fitness and dietary goals in the past.

I love driving around exploring the country, hoping to find old ruins to take photos of or dropping into cemeteries to see if I can find some cool looking graves and local history.

I love skydiving, abseiling and paintball but I'm also happy to have relaxing days going to the movies, watching a bit of TV or camping and fishing. I like to teach myself basic survival skills when I have enough time.

Getting into my garden and growing vegetables is something that I've gotten into over the years as well.

I've worked for about 20 years in disability and have moved over to mentoring because I thrive on seeing people having a good time and knowing that I'm helping them get the most out of life. 

I'm an active listener and will do what it takes to help people. 

My qualifications are:

• Certificate III Disability Care
• Certificate III Gym Instructor
• 1st Degree Black Belt - Southern Freestyle Martial Arts
• Probationary Black Belt - Tugra Shan MMA
• NDIS Worker Modules
• First aid/CPR
• Child safe environments "through their eyes"

I am available:

• Tuesday 3pm - 7:30pm
• Thursday 3pm - 7:30pm