Youth programmes & workshops
For young people
Activities and group sessions that give young people opportunities to connect, build confidence and learn practical skills at a pace that feels manageable.
Learning · Achieving · Belonging
A place for young people to connect, learn and belong
The Empower YOUth L.A.B. is a welcoming community space in Templestowe Lower for young people, families and the people who support them — with programmes, workshops, holiday activities, training and community events.
Youth & family community programmesTrauma-informed & relationship-ledBased in Templestowe LowerFree or low-cost wherever possible
A real space, not a perfect one
A relaxed place to take a breath and be yourself
Not every young person feels comfortable in a formal programme, classroom or clinical setting. The L.A.B. was created to feel different — a relaxed, flexible community space where young people and families can meet supportive people, try something new and feel accepted as they are.
Some sessions are for young people. Some are for parents and carers. Others are for schools, professionals or the wider community. What connects them is a shared focus on safety, respect, practical learning and belonging.
Who the L.A.B. is for
Different people come to the L.A.B. for different reasons
Young people
Join supported activities, meet others, explore interests and spend time in a space where there’s no pressure to pretend everything is fine.
View youth programmes →
Parents & carers
Take part in practical sessions, build knowledge, connect with others and learn approaches that support everyday family life.
View parent & carer sessions →
Schools & professionals
Access practical, trauma-informed training and connect young people or families with suitable community opportunities.
Enquire for a school or org →
Community supporters
Help keep the L.A.B. active and accessible by sponsoring a programme, donating, sharing resources or contributing skills.
Support the L.A.B. →
Featured programme
Monday Nights at the L.A.B.
A supported Monday evening programme for young people aged 12–17 — a consistent, safe place to spend time with peers and caring adults who understand that behaviour is communication.
🗓 Every Monday · 4:30–8:15pm🎯 Ages 12–17💛 Free play + snacks
What happens at the L.A.B.
Programmes, learning and connection in one community space
School holiday programmes
For young people
Structured holiday activities designed to keep young people engaged, connected and supported during the school break.
Parent & carer sessions
For parents & carers
Practical, trauma-informed sessions for parents and carers, delivered in clear language without unnecessary jargon.
Training for schools & professionals
For schools & professionals
Practical, trauma-informed learning — without unnecessary jargon — for people who work with children, young people and families.
Learning & Work Pathways (16–25)
For young adults
🎯 Ages 16–25
A pathway programme for young people aged 16–25 who want practical experience, work-readiness skills and a supportive team around them.
Why the L.A.B. feels different
Behaviour is communication, and connection is the bridge to change
We look beyond what’s happening on the surface, and aim to create an environment where people feel safe enough to take part, ask questions, learn and build trust. The way a programme is delivered matters as much as the activity itself.
Safe
People need to feel physically and emotionally safe before meaningful participation can happen.
Welcoming
The space is designed to feel comfortable and approachable, not formal or intimidating.
Non-judgemental
Young people and families are not reduced to a label, behaviour or difficult period in their lives.
Calm
The environment and activities aim to support regulation, predictability and participation.
Respectful
Every person deserves to be heard, treated with dignity and included in decisions that affect them.
How to get involved
Start with a conversation
See what’s available
Visit Programmes & What’s On for current sessions, events and age requirements.
Send an enquiry
Tell us who you’re enquiring for, what you’re interested in and anything that helps us make taking part easier.
Talk with the team
We’ll explain the programme, confirm whether it appears suitable and answer questions about cost and support.
Receive next steps
Where appropriate, we’ll provide registration details, session information or another suitable pathway.
The L.A.B. works to keep community programmes free or low cost wherever possible, with help from fundraising, grants and sponsorship. Please contact the team before registering if cost may be a barrier.
What people say
What families & community members say
Hearing directly from people who know the L.A.B. helps others understand what the space feels like — and what they can expect.
Google review
I've had the opportunity to get to know the team at Empower YOUth, and what stands out most is how genuine they are. Their care for young people and families is authentic, and they take the time to build trust and make people feel heard. It's refreshing to see an organisation so committed to supporting its community with compassion and respect.
Supported by local organisations and community partners
Display current supporters only with permission — please confirm logo usage before go-live.
Community Bank Doncaster East and Templestowe Village · Bendigo Bank
Grant sponsor of Monday Nights at the L.A.B.
Bunnings
Community supporter — contributed to the creation and fit-out of the L.A.B. space and practical community work.
Hornsby Building Surveyors & Consultants
A community supporter of the L.A.B.
Not sure where to start?
Tell us a little about the young person, family, group or organisation you’re enquiring for. The L.A.B. team can explain what’s currently available and help you work out the most suitable next step.
