Day Support for Vulnerable Children

Every child deserves to feel safe, understood and capable of reaching their potential.

At Refuel Fitness & Supports, we provide individualised day support for children and young people who may be living in Out of Home Care, on reduced school timetables, experiencing trauma, or simply needing additional support to thrive.

Our program is led by Service Manager Emily Reynolds, whose seven years as an Out of Home Care Practitioner, combined with her experience as a foster carer and qualifications in Social Services, provide the foundation for a service that genuinely understands the unique needs of vulnerable children and young people. Every referral is carefully considered, with supports tailored to the child's goals, strengths, interests and individual circumstances.

More than just supervision

Our goal isn't simply to fill time—we create meaningful experiences that build confidence, independence and connection.

Children are matched with energetic, trauma-informed mentors who take the time to build genuine, trusting relationships. Through consistency, encouragement and shared experiences, we help young people develop:

  • Social and communication skills

  • Emotional regulation strategies

  • Confidence and self-esteem

  • Independence and daily living skills

  • Healthy relationships and positive decision making

  • Community participation and new interests

Whether support is required as a once-off, during periods of placement instability, or as part of an ongoing plan, we adapt our approach to meet each child's changing needs.

Supporting the whole care team

We understand that supporting vulnerable children requires a collaborative approach.

Our mentors work alongside carers, families, Child Protection, schools, support coordinators, case managers and other professionals to provide consistent, child-focused support. We communicate openly, provide detailed feedback when required, and aim to reduce pressure on the wider care team by providing reliable, engaging supports that children look forward to attending.

A space where young people want to be

Unlike many traditional support environments, Refuel offers a purpose-built space that children genuinely enjoy spending time in.

Our facility provides a calm, welcoming environment where young people can feel comfortable, regulate, have fun and simply be themselves. Depending on their interests, supports may include:

  • Gym-based activities and movement

  • Basketball and active games

  • Nintendo Switch and board games

  • Sensory and quiet spaces

  • Creative activities

  • Cooking and life skills

  • Community outings

  • Homework support

  • Goal-based mentoring

For children on reduced school timetables or those needing structured daytime engagement, Refuel provides a positive alternative that encourages participation while reducing isolation.

5 Reid Street, Wodonga

Phone: 0400450221

supports@refuelfs.com

Referral Form

What We Focus On

  • Practicing social skills in a fun environment can make it less demand on young people, our space provides opportunities to make friends and feeling like they belong, through group activities, mentoring and shared experiences with peers.

  • Young people who come to us through the OOHC system are often experiencing issues at school, and/or in their placement. Sometimes they just need a space to settle, have fun in a comfortable and supporting setting. We help them discover new hobbies and having fun through obstacle courses, basketball, gaming, dancing, day trips, bowling and the pool.

  • Practical, everyday skills like communication, problem-solving and self-care, built through hands-on activities in a supportive environment.

  • Our trauma-informed mentors work alongside families, schools and agencies as part of a coordinated team approach, with support tailored to one-off or ongoing needs. We instill the same boundaries and rules as the care team to ensure cohesion within the young person’s life.