Bendigo From Teens to Adults: Navigating the teen years and growing independence.

Free event in Bendigo for parents and carers of teenagers and young adults with disability, developmental delay or neurodivergence.

Date: Wednesday, 18 November 2026
Location: Discovery Centre, Bendigo
Time: 5:00–7:00 pm
Register: At least 10 business days before the event to secure a supervised place for your family member.

About this event

The teenage years bring changes in friendships, emotions, family life and independence. Supporting your young person through these changes, while thinking about their future, can raise plenty of questions.

Join Lifely in Bendigo for a practical, welcoming session about navigating the teen years and preparing for adulthood. Explore ways to support your young person’s choices, confidence and connections, ask questions and meet other parents and carers sharing similar experiences.

What we’ll explore

• Navigating puberty, changing emotions and wellbeing
• Supporting friendships, relationships and social connections
• Building independence, confidence and decision-making skills
• Planning for life beyond school, including further education and employment
• Understanding changing support needs and services as adulthood approaches
• Looking after your wellbeing as a parent or carer

What’s included

• Practical information and time for your questions
• Opportunities to meet local services
• A chance to connect with other parents and carers
• Light refreshments

Support during the event

Lifely staff can spend time with your family member while you attend. This is short-term, on-site general supervision and engagement.

We can’t provide:

• One-on-one support
• Personal care, including toileting
• Medication support
• Complex behaviour or medical support

You remain responsible for your family member and will be asked to step in if they need additional support.

Please register your family member at least 10 business days before the event. After this cut-off, we may not have enough staff available to provide supervision.

Important information

This event has been made possible through additional carer respite funding from the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.

When you register, we may ask about your family member’s needs and preferences to help us provide safe and appropriate support.