Our stories Archives - Jesuit Social Services

Our Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect Centre's recent 'Family Fun Day' reminds us that joy can be a 'radical act'
- 24 March 2026
The smell of sizzling sausages and fried onions drifted through the streets of Sunshine last Saturday, drawing people toward the outdoor space of our Western Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect Centre. Around 50 carers and family members from across the community gathered to partake in a ‘Family Fun Day’ - organised in collaboration with Satellite Foundation and Western Health - which included a range of arts and crafts activities, face…
Homework Club celebrates its annual Iftar event
- 19 March 2026
Ramadan is an important time of year for Jesuit Social Services' Homework Club, with most participant families of Muslim faith. Once again, Ramadan was celebrated with the annual Iftar event, providing an opportunity for families and staff to enjoy dinner and activities together. Homework Club supports around 40 children, largely from new migrant background, through…
Supporting young people through lived experience: Ayesha’s mentoring story
- 17 March 2026
“I’ve always been the person who needed support. Now I get to be that support for someone else.” For volunteer mentor Ayesha Turner, supporting young people through our Community Connections Mentoring program is not just a job, it’s deeply personal. Community Connections Mentoring connects young people who are living in, or who have lived in, out-of-home care with trained volunteer mentors…
"Timing is everything": Eco-Justice Hub volunteers support those affected by Victorian bushfires
- 2 March 2026
Much was lost when the Longwood bushfires ran through homes and farms in January, but recent work from visiting volunteers has helped one Upton local to reinstate his burnt-out garden.
Homework Club celebrates another successful year
- 18 December 2025
Homework Club volunteers, participant families and Jesuit Social Services staff gathered to celebrate another successful year together over a barbecue and a bounce on the trampolines.
Community power on full display at the Transport Assembly in Bidwill
- 4 December 2025
Earlier this month, more than 150 Western Sydney residents, community leaders and partner organisations packed out Bidwill Uniting Church for the long-awaited Transport Assembly - a moment that marked the culmination of several years of deep listening, relationship-building and collective organising across the 2770 postcode of Mount Druitt.
A simple sign, a stronger welcome: Supporting new refugee communities in Emerton NSW
- 25 November 2025
As the demographics of Western Sydney’s Emerton community continue to shift, Jesuit Social Services’ Ignite Food Store is seeing more newly arrived refugee families turning to the store for affordable, locally accessible food. For staff and volunteers, this change has brought new opportunities to deepen relationships and ensure everyone who walk through the door feel…
Willmot Community Hub is creating safe spaces for young women to learn, connect and thrive
- 17 October 2025
Twelve-year-old Maya first heard about the Jesuit Social Services’ led Willmot Community Hub through her mother. Overhearing phone conversations and seeing her mum at community events sparked a curiosity, and soon after, Maya began attending too.
From Harm to Healing
- 14 August 2025
For retired teachers Gai and Graham, participating in one of our Youth Justice Group Conferences offered a chance to heal and to support the young man responsible for a confronting break-in at their home.
Walking Towards Wellbeing: How Nature and Connection Are Supporting Carers in Melbourne’s West
- 15 July 2025
At Jesuit Social Services' Western Metro Mental Health and Wellbeing Connect Centre, a series of therapeutic nature walks is offering carers something they rarely have: time to breathe.

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