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 Real Support. Real Relationships.

Real Results

We work alongside young people aged 10–24 and the families

around them because lasting change never happens in isolation.

Authentic Steps is a Queensland-based youth and family support service run by qualified youth workers and certified mental health program facilitators. We work with young people, parents and families every day providing practical, proven programs that build resilience, self-esteem and the life skills young people need to thrive. What makes us different is that we work with the whole family, not just the young person. Because we know that lasting change requires the whole environment to shift not just the individual.

JOHN RUTTER

Founder

Have you ever heard the saying: "If you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life"? I've found what I love to do and that couldn't be more true for me. Nothing gives me greater fulfilment than helping a young person build a positive self- esteem and identity, find passion and purpose, and watching theirconfidence grow as they realise they have what it takes to navigate their future in a healthy way. I am now the person I wish I'd had beside me when I was a young person. The feedback I get from parents is that I help them see the gaps, offer another perspective, and provide simple, practical strategies for deeper awareness and connection within their family.
 
 
FIND OUT MORE

Qualified Youth Worker · 16 Years Industry Experience · Blue Card Holder · Yellow

NDIS Clearance Card · Triple P (PPP) Facilitator · UQ School of Psychology - Anxiety

Management Program Facilitator · The Fathering Project Facilitator · Certified Mental

Health Program Facilitator · Extensive Lived Experience · Father of Three Teenagers

WHY WE DO IT

 

Why John Founded Authentic Steps

 

I founded Authentic Steps in 2017 to address two devastating statistics in the lives of
young Australians. I came to studying youth work, human behaviour and mental health through my own lifej ourney  recognising character and emotional battles I had carried from my own childhood. But what really fired me up to build something  real programs, real experiences, genuine support were these two facts:

"Suicide is still the leading cause of death for young Australians under 25."
​
"Half of all lifetime cases of mental, emotional and behavioural disorders begin by age 14. Three-quarters begin by age 24."

How critical are these early years  and where is the simple, effective support?

That's why I do what I do. Every program, every camp, every mentoring session is my answer to the question: what advice would you give to your younger self?

— John Rutter, Founder

Our Approach

 
We believe
Every young person has the potential to grow into someone who is emotionally strong, confident and ready for life.
 
We believe
Lasting change in a young person requires the whole environment around them to change not just the individual.
 
We believe
Parents are not the problem they are the most important part of the solution.
 
We believe
Practical, action-based experiences build more lasting change than talking alone.
 
We believe
Young people need a trusted adult who gets alongside them  not someone who just talks at them.
 


How We Help Families

Authentic Steps offers a range of programs, resources and support services for young people aged 10–24 and their families. Our programs are delivered in person across Southeast Queensland and digitally worldwide.

 

Rock Solid Boys & Empowered Girls:

8-week group programs building confidence, resilience and positive mental health. Ages 10–14.

Individual Mentoring Programs:

Personalised one-on-one mentoring programs for people who need additional support. Lighthouse for teens. Launchpad for young adults.

The Lighthouse Residence:

Character-based residential homes providing structured daily support for young people who need a stable, purposeful living environment

Rites of Passage Camps:

Transformative camp experiences for young people aged 14+. The Rites of Passage program helps young men transition into adulthood through a bushwalking camp that builds self-esteem, confidence and life skills including mentoring and a parent support session

School Programs:

Programs delivered in schools and youth settings across Queensland.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Online Courses:

Downloadable resources and workshops for parents and young people.

 

 

 

EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMS

FEATURED IN...

QWeekend
ABC
Rise 96.5
National TalkBlack Radio- BBM 98.7 FM

Free Guide for Parents

Download "5 Ways to Rebuild Connection with Your Teenager" a short, practical guide from youth worker John Rutter, written for parents of young people aged 10–24.

Ready to Take the First Step?

If you're not sure where to start, a free discovery call is the easiest first move. We'll listen, ask a few questions, and point you in the right direction.