NDIS Services

NDIS Program Overview

Ocean Mind’s NDIS programs are designed to support young people to participate in a community activity. Our programs are tailored to individual participants and help to develop personal and social skills and capacities through utilising the ocean environment and surfing as an activity.

Research conducted into surf programs including Ocean Mind’s programs show benefits of participation include:

Positive mental health impacts including improving self-esteem, reducing social isolation, depression and anxiety
Development of interpersonal skills including feeling more confident to communicate and engage with others
Physical wellbeing improvements through regular participation in a physical activity

Participants in Ocean Mind’s programs have also highlighted the positive outcomes of learning a new skill and developing a sense of belonging to both the Ocean Mind community and wider surf community.

Read more about the programs offered below.

FAQ’s

- Refer a young person to the Ocean Mind NDIS surf program via the ‘refer a young person’ button.
- A staff member will be in touch to organise an Intake Assessment. During the Intake Assessment we capture information about the young person, their interests, their needs and support preferences, and goals they would like to achieve.
- Ocean Mind then tailor and customise the program supports to each individual to help plan for a positive growth experience.
- Ocean Mind will advise of available times and locations for the program to commence.
Ocean Mind runs sessions at beaches along the Surf Coast (Anglesea, Torquay, Ocean Grove) and the Mornington Peninsula (Point Leo & Shoreham).
Ocean Mind’s NDIS programs can be accessed through either self-managed or plan-managed NDIS packages. NDIS funding can be allocated through Core Support or Capacity building funds.
Please contact us for further information on relevant support items and charges.
Ocean Mind surf program facilitators maintain Surfing Australia qualifications and annual requirements. This includes maintaining current first aid, CPR, ocean safety qualifications and Working With Children Checks. All staff complete an internal training program to equip them with further knowledge and skills required to support the diverse range of young people who participate in the Ocean Mind surf programs. Ocean Mind continue to seek opportunities for further staff development such as Autism Surf training provided by Autism Swim.
The Ocean Mind team has a blend of different backgrounds including Youth Work, Neuroscience and Mental Health, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Teaching and Education Assistants and Outdoor Recreation. The skills, knowledge and experience that our staff team bring to Ocean Mind help us to create individual surf programs and provide appropriate supports for each of our young people.
Most importantly, the team is made up of individuals who are caring, patient and love engaging with young people.
Meet the team here

NDIS
Small Group Program

Our small group program supports participants to engage in a social activity. Often a young person will complete a 1:1 supported program and then utilise the personal and social skills they have developed in a small group program setting.

Our small group programs involve 4 participants and 2 Ocean Mind facilitators. The programs provide opportunities for the participants to achieve outcomes in areas such as:

communication and socialisation skills
relationship building and positive social interactions
emotional regulation skills and strategies
promotion of mental health including increasing self-esteem and confidence
physical wellbeing, strength, endurance, balance and coordination
beach and ocean safety and awareness

The small group programs are run at specific times of the year. Families will be emailed to register their interest in participating in planned sessions.

NDIS
1:1 Supported Program

Our 1:1 programs support young people who are developing their personal and social skills to help them engage in a community and social activity. The program provides opportunities for participants to achieve outcomes in areas such as: