Jesuit Social Services collaborates with St Vincent's Health Australia - Jesuit Social Services

Jesuit Social Services CEO Julie Edwards is pictured here with Toby Hall, CEO of St Vincent’s Health Australia, after signing an agreement between the two organisations that will see them work collaboratively to improve the health service response to those at the margins of society.

St Vincent’s Health Australia and Jesuit Social Services are proposing to undertake a number of projects that build on their respective expertise in health services and working with those suffering disadvantage. An initial project will address the health needs of those transitioning out of custody.

“When I do art, I am free.” Thuc’s story…

Thuc Tran, a participant in Jesuit Social Services’ Western Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect program (MHWC), which supports the family members and carers of people with mental illness and substance use issues, is a true testament to the power of community support. Born in Vietnam, Thuc immigrated to Australia as a refugee with her family 1995. Thuc entered our MHWC program after feeling overwhelmed by her caring responsibilities for her 14-year-old son.

School work that’s out of the box

Ignatius Learning Centre students wrap their hands before boxing class. Teacher Nick Porter describes this as a “beautiful moment”. “It is a calming place – a time to clear their heads and set goals for the session.“

Art classes ‘helped me to feel pride in my culture’

Connecting with someone who gets what it’s like

“When I was bereaved by suicide, I was not just grieving the loss of a friend but grieving for all LGBTQIA+ people who face a transphobic and homophobic world each day,” says Immy Money, Project Officer at our new Support After Suicide Hub (SASH). “I was realising just how many in our community are suicide bereaved.”

Helping Donna and Shayne make ‘a contribution beyond our caring’

Donna and Shayne’s fulltime role as carers to Jasmine saw them nominated for the lived experience reference group for Western Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect – our recently launched resource and support hub for carers of those experiencing mental health or substance misuse issues. Donna and Shayne’s 23-year-old daughter, Jasmine, has autism and associated mental health and mood problems – frequently experiencing anxiety, particularly when life lacks structure and order.

How music connects hearts in grief and helps in healing

Empowering young people on the path to recovery through connection to nature

The Outdoor Experience utilises a Bush Adventure Therapy to supports young people struggling with substance abuse and mental health. Learn how the program empowers participants to move forward on their journey to recovery.