Welcome to CUSP

Where people come to create, connect and belong

Our creative groups bring people together through expression, connection and shared experiences, grounded in kindness, openness and a sense of fun.

Our philosophy

Trust, connection and enjoyment

Everything we do comes from a place of authenticity and care. We build trust, create connection and design enjoyable programs because people communicate and participate best when they feel safe, valued and engaged.

Trust

Trust develops when people feel listened to, understood and accepted. It is the foundation of meaningful communication, connection and participation.

Connection

We foster real relationships between group members, facilitators and the wider community. Through shared experiences and meaningful interactions, people develop confidence, belonging and lasting social connections.

Enjoyment

Enjoyment is not an extra, it is essential. Our programs are designed to be creative, engaging and enjoyable, providing experiences that people look forward to and want to be part of.

Creativity at the core

Speech pathology, with music woven through

We blend evidence-based speech pathology with creative practice: singing, song-writing and shared music-making, because it works, and because it brings people joy. Our groups are co-facilitated by speech pathologists and a musician.

Explore the programs
CUSP facilitators making music together — guitar, accordion and harmonica

Meet CUSP

Rebecca on what CUSP is all about

A quick hello from founder and speech pathologist Rebecca Leeson, on why CUSP exists and who it is for.

Short video coming soon. Rebecca is recording a warm intro to CUSP.

Group programs

How we can help

Creative group programs co-facilitated by speech pathologists and a musician, held at Jika Jika Community Centre, Northcote.

Social singing

Brainiacs

A social, music-focused group for people with acquired brain injury. Singing, songwriting, quizzes and a lot of fun.

Learn more
Creative project

Side by Side

A 10-week creative project program co-created by members and facilitators, for building social confidence in a supportive environment.

Learn more
Voice & communication

Voice & Vibe

A music-infused communication group blending evidence-based voice therapy (LSVT principles) with music and singing, for people experiencing reduced vocal strength.

Learn more
Games & connection

Game Changers

A small group for autistic and neurodivergent people, games, connection and exploring communication in a supportive space.

Learn more

Individual work

One-to-one sessions

Alongside the group programs, Rebecca offers individual speech pathology sessions tailored to each person’s goals and pace.

Learn more about individual work
Rebecca Leeson, speech pathologist and founder of CUSP

Moments from our groups

A little of the CUSP feeling

CUSP members and facilitators together at Jika Jika Community Centre, Northcote
A CUSP group session in a circle, hands raised, everyone smiling
CUSP facilitators and members making music together on guitars and harmonica

In their words

Testimonials

Handwritten note: “This group gives me the confidence to be my true self, and a place I belong. It lets me express my creative qualities and gives me a sense of purpose. I love it here.”
Handwritten note: “It’s my highlight of the week! And when we’re on break I really miss it. — Erin”
Handwritten note: “It’s wonderful to see how everyone shows up each week to join the group. Despite coming from all walks of life, each member feels a genuine sense of connection and friendship. — Winston”
Handwritten note: “Brainiacs is the highlight of my week. They’re very kind, thoughtful, patient and have integrity.”
Handwritten note: “CUSP is just an absolutely lovely and heart-warming group to be a part of. Every session always leaves me feeling warm and fuzzy. — Asmaa”
Handwritten note: “CUSP fosters community for people of all abilities, helping build self-efficacy, confidence and friendship. The group makes everyone feel welcomed and equal. — Steph, support worker”
Handwritten note: “I enjoy coming here. It is friendly, everyone is kind, supportive and happy for each other.”
Handwritten note: “As a support worker I’ve never been involved in such a well-run, warm and welcoming group. I feel very lucky to be part of such an incredible group — hands down the highlight of my week. — Shaun”
Handwritten note: “Supportive, informative, friendly, fun, welcoming, happy.”
Handwritten note: “I come to socialise and laugh with everyone, and have felt welcomed and accepted from my first session. I love all the people there. — Joseph”
Handwritten note: “I love making friends at the group and eating lunch with everyone. It’s one of my favourite days of the week. — Will”

Stay connected

Follow along @cuspsocial

We share moments from our groups, updates and creative highlights over on Instagram. Follow along to see CUSP in action.

See moments from our groups, creative highlights and the occasional behind-the-scenes, over on Instagram.

Follow @cuspsocial

Who we support

Who CUSP is for

We work alongside adults living with a range of conditions that affect communication and social participation, including:

  • Acquired brain injury (including stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain tumours and hypoxic brain injury)
  • Progressive neurological conditions (including Parkinson’s disease, Motor Neurone Disease and Multiple Sclerosis)
  • Autistic spectrum disorder
  • Intellectual disability

We welcome people with a wide range of communication styles and support needs, including those who use AAC, experience aphasia, or have changes to speech, language, voice or social communication.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral letter?

No. There’s no referral letter required and no obligation. You can refer yourself, a family member, or a client using our referral form, and we’ll be in touch to talk through the options.

Where are the groups held?

Our group programs run at Jika Jika Community Centre in Northcote, Melbourne. Get in touch if you’d like to know more about access or getting there.

Can I use NDIS funding?

Yes, we deliver services under the NDIS where applicable. We also accept TAC funding, DVA, and privately funded clients. Reach out and we’ll talk through how funding can work for you or the person you’re referring.

What’s the difference between the group programs?

Brainiacs is a social singing group, Side by Side is a creative project program, and Voice & Vibe focuses on voice and communication. If you’re not sure which is the right fit, tell us a little about your goals and we’ll help match you.

Do you offer individual sessions?

Yes. Rebecca offers one-to-one speech pathology sessions. Get in touch to find out more.

Have a different question? Get in touch →

Ready to take the first step?

Whether you are applying for yourself, supporting a family member, or referring a client, we would love to hear from you. Applications take just a few minutes.

Apply to join Get in touch