
Crossroads ConnectU
PEERS Program
®

MASTERING THE ART OF SOCIALISING


At ConnectU, our Program is a 14-week, in-person social skills workshop designed to empower adolescents (ages 13-17), young adults (ages 18–28) and adults (ages 29 +), with the tools to foster meaningful relationships.
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The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills
( ) is globally recognized as an evidence-based social skills intervention. It supports individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, and other socio-emotional challenges in building confidence and connection.
Next group starting:
March 17th, 2025 ages 18-28
Location: St Kilda
Program Structure
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Participants benefit from step-by-step skill-building through:
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Role-play demonstrations
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Behavioural rehearsal exercises
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Small-group breakout sessions with direct coaching from our program team
Each young adult brings a social coach—such as a parent, sibling, peer mentor, or support worker—to every session. While participants engage in socialization exercises, social coaches attend separate simultaneous sessions. In these sessions, they receive guidance and training on how to effectively coach participants, and offer constructive feedback to promote social growth.

Focusing on key social skills
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Topics covered:
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Starting and maintaining conversations
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Finding and maintaining friendships
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Electronic communication and social media etiquette
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Navigating group conversations
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Planning and attending get-togethers
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Dating etiquette and building romantic relationships
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Handling disagreements
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Dealing with bullying

Funding can be used under core supports and capacity building funds.
Program Costs
The cost of our 14-week PEERS® Program is $300 per weekly group. The participant and social coaching groups run simultaneously in separate breakout rooms with individual clinicians.
This program includes:
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90-minute social skills group
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90-minute training for the allocated social coach
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Resources to support both participant and social coach
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Weekly homework tasks to develop and reinforce skills between sessions

Program details:
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Held in-person every Monday from 7:00-8:30PM
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Runs over a 14-week period
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Next group starting March 17th, 2025 ages 18-28 Location: St Kilda

Crossroads ConnectU
is a dedicated branch of Crossroads Therapy and Support Services. Created by Renaty Layton in partnership with Dov Paltiel, ConnectU specializes in facilitating social skill development through the PEERS® Program.
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Navigating social connections can feel overwhelming. With personalized mentorship and guidance, ConnectU bridges the gap between isolation and meaningful relationships, empowering young adults to thrive socially and emotionally.
THE TEAM

Renaty Layton - Counselling Psychologist with over 25 years experience, holding Masters Degrees in both Counselling Psychology and Special Education.

Dov Paltiel - Disability Support Worker, Co-Founder of Chaps Support Services, Bachelor of Exercise Science, Bachelor of Business and has a minor in psychology. Dov has worked in the disability field for close to 10 years, first as an integration aide in the school system before becoming a disability support worker which led to him co-founding Chaps Support Services, a social group for young men with disabilities. Dov has a wealth of experience and knowledge when it comes to teaching social skills and habits particularly with young adults.