Reach Out
Real Support. Real Connection.
In Real Life.
“...Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay..." Ruth 1:17-18 niv
What ever the Weather!
Our commitment to these values shapes our conduct
respect
EMPATHY
AUTHENTICALLY
LISTEN
What is IRL?
IRL stands for In Real Life (a common term used in text speak) and capture a key element of the service provided, which going where students are. IRL is a free, non-profit service supporting Education Queensland secondary school students through life’s challenges — whether social, emotional, educational, or practical. We’re here for young people who need help with confidence, connection, skill-building, or simply someone to talk to.
At IRL, trained and faith-filled mentors and chaplains offer consistent support grounded in evidence-based wellbeing practices. While guided by Christian, non-denominational values, our team abides by Education Queensland’s guidelines for Chaplains and Student Wellbeing Officers — respecting all views and never proselytising.
IRL is a fully insured Not-for-Profit Incorporated Association. Our mentors are volunteers — often tertiary students completing field placements or professionals (active or retired) who want to give back to their community. All mentors are Blue Card approved, trained in the skill of mentoring to our high standards and additionally in the critical areas of ethics, legislation, privacy of information, confidentially, managing disclosure, duty of care, and all have completed the MAST training.
Our goal: To help young people embrace life with acceptance, resilience, and inner confidence.
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Free for Education Queensland secondary schools
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Available to private and faith-based schools for a low fee
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Delivered through your school’s wellbeing team, with detailed documented support records, kept by the school.
Key Areas of Student Support Through Mentoring
Educational Support
At IRL, we believe every young person deserves access to quality learning and real opportunities to succeed.
Our academic mentorship helps students:
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Gain support in subjects like English, Maths, Science.
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Back to basics without any judgement.
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Learn from patient, skilled mentors who care.
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Build confidence, self-belief, and a growth mindset
How it works:
Students meet one-on-one with a mentor for one hour each week. Together, they set learning goals, build study strategies, and overcome academic challenges — step by step.
Whether it's a subject specialist, generalist or skilled teaching assistant our mentors are here to help unlock each student’s potential.
Connecting Youth to Community
At IRL, we help young people build strong ties with their local communities — creating space for inclusion, contribution, creative thinking and personal growth.
How it works:
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Projects may include volunteering, local initiatives, social enterprises, career development, employability skills or passion projects.
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Weekly one hour one-on-one sessions with a mentor to plan community involvement.
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Once planned, depending on projects, sessions may move to fortnightly for two-hour.
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Implementation may be either on or off school campus.
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In either cases appropriate risk assessments and insurances will be established prior to implementation phase.
Students are empowered to take the lead, discover their strengths, and make a real impact.
PERSONAL GROWTH
At IRL, we support each young person’s emotional, social, and creative growth — meeting them where they are and helping them discover their potential. This is often achieved through group work and shared interests with other like minded students.
How it works:
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Weekly one-hour (individual or group) sessions tailored to student/s interests.
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Mentors are chosen that share the same passion, and can model behaviour and share skills e.g. art, sport, martial arts, gaming, fashion, gardening, beauty, dance, acting, technology, baking, craft and so much more.
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Activities designed to build confidence, self-esteem, team work, resilience and real connection with other like minded students.
We carefully match students with mentors who not only care, but help turn passions into purpose — fostering resilience, joy, and personal growth.
Safe Spaces & Authentic Listening
Many young people today face overwhelming social, emotional, and family pressures — which, left unaddressed, can lead to anxiety and other mental health challenges. At IRL, we offer a space for students to be truly heard, without judgement.
How it works:
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One-on-one weekly sessions focused on listening, reflection, and guided self-awareness
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Students are supported to process their experiences and develop strategies to better manage life’s challenges
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Mentors use reflective and preventative approaches — helping reduce pressure on school wellbeing teams
This is not a clinical service, but a proactive, early support option. Our mentors are often tertiary students studying mental health-related fields, such as social work, counselling, or youth work.
By creating safe, supported spaces for authentic conversations, we empower young people to take back control of their emotional wellbeing — before things escalate.
Benefits
TRANSFORMING LIVES
Our dedication to transforming lives sets us apart.
We are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of underprivileged youth, inspiring hope and fostering a sense of purpose.
DEDICATED SUPPORT
We provide dedicated support to each young person, offering guidance, encouragement, and resources to help them navigate challenges with resilience and internal acceptance and confidence.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Our work extends beyond individual impact, creating a ripple effect that enriches communities and contributes to a more inclusive and supportive society.
EMPOWERING POTENTIAL
We are dedicated to unlocking the potential within every young person, nurturing their humanity and empowering them to create a future filled with possibilities.
LASTING CHANGE
Our initiatives aim to create lasting change, instilling values of resilience, determination, and compassion that will guide and inspire the next generation.
In Their Words
"IRL has been a game-changer for our community. Their mentorship programs have ignited a passion for learning and growth among our youth, leading to remarkable transformations."
Samantha White - Caboolture
"The educational support provided by IRL has opened doors for our children, giving them the opportunity to dream big and pursue their aspirations with confidence."
Mrs D - Moreton Bay
"I highly recommend IRL for their unwavering commitment to empowering underprivileged youth. Their dedication to creating lasting change is real."
Jessica Lee