Frequently asked questions about Satellite

About Satellite Foundation

How do I refer a young person to your programs?

Click here to refer via our Expressions of Interest form. If you need assistance to complete this form, send an email to hello@satellitefoundation.org.au or call us directly on 1800 973 444. Referrals are welcome from anyone connected with a child or young person, who have family (chosen or otherwise) with mental health challenges.

Who is eligible?

Satellite’s programs, camps, workshops and activities are open to children and young people from the age of 8 to the age of 25 (approx.) who have family (chosen or otherwise) with mental health challenges.

What do you mean by mental health challenges?

Anything that affects mental, emotional or social wellbeing. This could be diagnosed or undiagnosed mental illness, family breakdown, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, neurodivergence, loss, grief, intergenerational trauma, alcohol and other drugs, gambling, addiction, family violence, and everything in between.

Our family is based outside of Victoria. Can we still access your programs and activities? 

As we are Victorian based, our in-person programs and activities are primarily for Victorians. For those who live in bordering towns of Victoria, or interstate please contact us directly to discuss eligibility.

How does Satellite connect and collaborate with community?

Satellite has an Engagement and Consultation team who work with the wider community, across many settings. We can tailor some of our offerings and would love to show what we do. For all education-based settings, please reach out to our School Liaison. For community organisations and workplaces, connect with Community Engagement.  If you are looking to collaborate with us on a project or consultation, speak with our Training & Education Resources Officer. For young people aged 14 – 25 and parents/carers looking for general support or connection with external services please contact our Youth Liaison. For all things advocacy, squad, events and youth-based opportunities please contact our Youth and Consultation coordinator.

Why are you called Satellite Foundation? And what does the logo represent?

Good question! When we first started, someone said that we should be about connecting, because so many young people think they are floating in the middle of nowhere all alone (like in outer space). What floats in the middle of space, and connects through communication? A Satellite! And there was our name. Our logo was designed at the same time by the lovely Cordial Creative (donating their time). The design is drawn from a playground climbing dome, to centre children and ‘communicating playfully’.

FAQs from Young People

How do I know if someone in my life has a mental health challenge?

You may not know whether a person in your life has a diagnosed mental illness or not. If you would like to talk to Satellite Foundation about your family (chosen or otherwise), we would love to listen.

The person I’m thinking of doesn’t acknowledge that they have mental health challenges. Can I still participate in a Satellite program? 

For all young people under 18, we require the consent of a parent/carer to participate in our programs. We encourage all children and young people who feel this may be a barrier to contact us via email at hello@satellitefoundation.org.au or phone 1800 973 444 to chat about how we could support you and your family (chosen or otherwise) in the process.

What does being a young person supporting family with mental health challenges (young carer) mean?

A ‘young carer’ is a term that not all children and young people identify with or use. Instead, we recognise that many children and young people prefer to describe themselves as a support person for a family member with mental health challenges. The support provided could be emotional, physical, spiritual, kinship, mental, financial, practical and more.

Do I have to identify as being a ‘young carer’ to access a Satellite program?

No, at Satellite we do not require a formal identification. However, through completion of a program you may self-identify as being a support person for a loved one.

As a young person, how do I know if my parent/carer has a mental health challenge?

You may not know whether your parent/carer has a diagnosed mental illness or not. If you would like to talk to Satellite Foundation about your family, we would love to listen.

What if a parent/carer does not wish to acknowledge they have mental health challenges but the young person wishes to participate in a Satellite program?

For all young people under the age of 18 years, we do require the consent of a parent/carer, including the acknowledgement that they identify with having a mental health challenge to be eligible for the program. We encourage all young people who feel this may be a barrier for them to get in touch with us via email or phone to have a chat about how we may be able to support their family with this step in the process.

I have expressed interest in a Satellite program, what happens next? 

Once you have filled in an expression of interest form, you will be contacted via your preferred method. Where possible, we offer a ‘Welcome’ call, where we learn more about what has brought you to Satellite, a little about your family, and a lot about you. This might include goals and hopes for the future, your interests, and what makes you special. We would then help in registering you (or your child) for the specific program(s) in mind.

I’ve finished a program! Can I do more?

We encourage ongoing participation in our community, and you are welcome to attend one camp per year and one Satellite Connect. We keep in regular contact with you through phone calls, email and SMS, and let you know of all our different upcoming opportunities.

FAQs from Parents/Carers

Does there need to be a formal diagnosis of a mental health challenge or mental illness for my child/children to access your programs, workshops and activities? 

No, we do not need a formal diagnosis. When filling in an expression of interest form, the referrer needs to confirm that the child or young person’s family member has or identifies with having a mental health challenge.

What do your programs, workshops and activities cost?

All our programs, activities and camps are FREE, and your eligibility is not based on your employment, financial or citizenship status.

How does Satellite contact families?

Our Family Liaison will contact you via your preferred method, to find out more about your family and how we can best support you and them.

Does Satellite offer programs and support for families?

We don’t offer programs specifically geared towards an entire family, however, there are ways for the whole family to connect at our family retreats, family fun days and our end of year celebrations.

Our family is based outside of Victoria. Can we still access your programs and activities? 

As we are Victorian based, our in-person programs and activities are primarily for Victorians. For those who live in bordering towns of Victoria, please contact us directly to discuss eligibility. If you live interstate and wish to participate in any of our online programs, please submit an expression of interest form by clicking here.